Jen
If you love a dish that’s both creamy and spicy, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is for you! It’s the perfect balance of bold Cajun flavors and rich, velvety sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
I still remember the first time I made this dish. I wanted to impress my family with something fancy, but I may have gone a little overboard with the Cajun seasoning. Let’s just say their eyes were watering, and we all had to take emergency water breaks between bites. Lesson learned: spice is good, but balance is better! Thankfully, after a few tweaks (and less chili flakes), I finally perfected the creamy, spicy harmony of this dish. Now, it’s a go-to comfort meal that everyone loves—without needing a fire extinguisher nearby!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- Water for boiling
- Salt (for seasoning the pasta water)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small white onion (chopped)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt—it’s important to season your pasta water because it enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it rest for a few minutes.
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same pan, add butter and a bit more olive oil. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add chopped onions and mushrooms and cook until they are soft.
Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes for that signature spice. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan.
Next, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, letting it soak up the creamy sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the spice level: If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or chili flakes (just not TOO much, trust me!).
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—you want it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
- Try different proteins: This recipe works great with shrimp or even sausage!
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is pure comfort food with a kick! It’s bold, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Try it for your next dinner, and let me know how it turns out! Just remember—spice responsibly. 😉🔥 Happy cooking!
