Print

Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Close-up of creamy cajun chicken pasta with rotini noodles and seasoned chicken pieces in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make restaurant-style creamy Cajun chicken pasta at home in about 30 minutes. This recipe features tender chicken and penne pasta coated in a bold, spicy, and rich cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the Cajun cream sauce.
  9. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
  • You can substitute shrimp for chicken for a variation on this bayou inspired recipe.
  • This recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal but tastes like restaurant style pasta at home.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-quick-creamy-recipe/