Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water); 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2/3 cup diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Remaining cajun seasoning to taste; 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped); Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

If you’re craving a rich, comforting dish that packs a flavorful punch, you’re going to LOVE this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that’s surprisingly simple, yet feels indulgent with that velvety, spicy sauce coating every bite. When I first tried making this at home, I was blown away by how the spicy Cajun seasoning blended perfectly with creamy parmesan sauce—plus, it all comes together in just about 30 minutes. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through my favorite tips to nail this dish every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor without fuss.
Bold Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick balanced by a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this pasta, and it’s versatile enough to please picky eaters too.
One-Pan Sauce: You’ll save time and cleanup by making the sauce right in the skillet you cook the chicken in.

A white pan holds a creamy orange sauce spread as the base layer, covering the pan's bottom. On top, two neat piles of pale yellow fettuccine noodles are placed on the right side, with a slightly glossy texture and visible black pepper specks. On the left side, there are two sliced pieces of browned, seasoned grilled chicken with a slightly charred surface, laid side by side. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the chicken, pasta, and sauce. Next to the pan, on the white marbled surface, there is a small clear bowl with white grated cheese and some cheese crumbs sprinkled nearby, along with two slices of light brown bread on the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, easy Cajun pasta recipe, spicy creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a role in creating that incredible balance of heat, creaminess, and tang. Here’s what you’ll want to grab from the store, along with some tips for choosing the best:

Flat lay of a small bundle of uncooked linguine pasta, two boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spice, a few garlic cloves peeled and whole, a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced fresh tomatoes, a small white bowl holding creamy heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley finely chopped placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, easy Cajun pasta recipe, spicy creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Linguine pasta: I love linguine here because it holds the sauce nicely without getting mushy; spaghetti works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Even thickness makes for even cooking—plus, they’re lean but juicy when cooked right.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for the best flavor in your searing step.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the Cajun spices.
Cajun seasoning: This is the star—my trick is to add it in two stages so the flavor builds instead of overwhelming.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic provides that fragrant punch you want in the sauce.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle brightness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what gives the sauce that luscious, silky texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it melts into the cream for that perfect cheesy flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood of the day. Feel free to personalize it so it fits your taste buds and lifestyle.

Spicy Boost: When I want an extra kick, I add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce—it’s a game-changer if you like it fiery.
Veggie Upgrade: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach at the end to sneak some greens into the creamy goodness.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist—just note it adds a subtle coconut flavor.
Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or even smoked sausage for variety; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—you want it seasoned like the sea so your pasta gets flavored from the inside out. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until just al dente; it’ll continue cooking a bit when mixed with the sauce later. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—that starchy water is magic for thinning your sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, coat the chicken with about 1½ tablespoons of your Cajun seasoning—be generous here but adjust according to your spice tolerance. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden. Reduce heat to low and cook through until the internal temperature reads 165°F—using a meat thermometer here really takes the guesswork out. When done, slice into thin strips and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 to 60 seconds. You don’t want to burn the garlic because it can turn bitter. Toss in the diced tomatoes and let them cook down for a couple of minutes; this adds a fresh depth to your sauce. Next, pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. Give it a quick taste and season with salt or more Cajun spice if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and warmed through. If the sauce feels thicker than you like, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up—you’re aiming for a silky, clingy sauce. Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, then plate it up.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly helps it cook fast and juicy without drying out.
Layer Your Cajun Seasoning: Adding the seasoning in two parts deepens the flavor without making it too salty.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is my secret weapon for thinning the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Don’t Overcook Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep the sauté time short to avoid bitterness in the sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with sliced cooked chicken pieces, all coated in a light orange creamy sauce. There are visible small bits of herbs sprinkled evenly on top, with larger flakes of white cheese scattered around. The chicken slices have a brown, slightly crispy outside and a white inside. The pasta strands are smooth and slightly thick, twisted among each other. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, easy Cajun pasta recipe, spicy creamy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over this dish—not only does it brighten up the plate, but it adds a fresh green note that balances the richness. A final dusting of extra parmesan right before serving gives it that perfect salty, cheesy finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a subtle zing that lifts all the flavors.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I usually serve this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli for a bit of crunch and color. Garlic bread on the side is a total crowd-pleaser too—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special family dinner, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a sprig of fresh parsley on top. You can even serve it in individual cast-iron skillets for that rustic, cozy vibe. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or a touch of truffle oil if you want to amp up the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before sealing, I like to toss the pasta gently with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. The sauce thickens after chilling, so be ready to loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta works, but the cream sauce can change texture a bit after thawing. I recommend freezing only if you’re okay with a slightly different sauce consistency—package it tightly to avoid freezer burn and consume within 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it silky and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully to hold the sauce, you can swap it with penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti—just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions to keep it al dente.
How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and depends heavily on the Cajun seasoning brand you use. You can control heat by adjusting the amount of seasoning and adding extra cayenne if you want it spicier. If you prefer mild, use less seasoning or choose a milder blend.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and chicken separately in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to combine with the sauce until you’re ready to serve, reheating gently to keep everything tender and creamy.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter can work as substitutes, though the sauce won’t be as thick and may have a slight flavor difference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want something quick but so satisfying that everyone at the table asks for seconds. I love that it’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Once you try it, I think you’ll find it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation too—just don’t forget to have extra parmesan and parsley handy for that perfect finishing touch!