If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the table, it’s creamy Cajun chicken pasta. This recipe has become a staple in our home, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it a rainy evening, with the kitchen smelling of garlic, butter, and those bold Cajun spices. It was one of those meals where everyone couldn’t wait to dig in, and as soon as that first bite was taken, there was a collective “Mmm!” around the table.
What makes this dish so special isn’t just the rich, creamy sauce or the perfectly seasoned chicken; it’s the comforting feeling it brings. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a special date night, or a get-together with friends, this dish always feels like a warm hug. The best part is how adaptable it is. You can scale it up for a crowd or enjoy a satisfying plate all to yourself, making it ideal for everything from casual weeknights to festive occasions. The blend of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning hits all the right notes, ensuring that every bite is filled with bold flavor and creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor with Little Effort: Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a spicy kick, and the creamy Parmesan sauce brings it all together effortlessly.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need at home.
- Versatile and Customizable: Spice it up, tone it down, swap the protein, you can easily make it your own.
- One-Pot Friendly: Other than boiling the pasta, everything happens in one big skillet, keeping cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make your new favorite weeknight pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water; it’ll come in handy later if you want to loosen the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, season your sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything well so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. You’ll want every bite to be full of flavor!
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and sear them for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
Step 4: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, it turns bitter very quickly.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a soft simmer. Then, gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it completely. Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing gently to combine everything together. Let everything simmer for another minute or two to heat through.
Step 8: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if needed. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or how you like it:
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and toss in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You’ll still have a hearty, satisfying meal!
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Seafood Swap: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a luxurious twist. Shrimp cooks super quickly, so just sauté for a couple of minutes until pink.
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Milder Version: If you’re cooking for little ones (or anyone sensitive to spice), reduce the Cajun seasoning by half and skip the smoked paprika.
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Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the creamy Cajun sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli instead of pasta.
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Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade: Stir in a handful of mozzarella or Gruyère cheese with the Parmesan for an even richer, cheesier sauce.
How to Serve
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is delicious enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and extras can really make it feel like a full, restaurant-quality meal at home. Here are a few ideas:
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With Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or soft garlic bread is ideal for mopping up all that extra creamy sauce. You can even toast up some simple buttered bread with a sprinkle of garlic powder and Parmesan for an easy side.
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With a Fresh Salad: Since the pasta is rich and creamy, it’s nice to balance the meal with a light, crisp salad. Try a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing bite between the spicy, creamy pasta.
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With Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: To add a bit of color and nutrition, serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with the slightly spicy sauce and brings balance to the richness of the dish.
For drinks, a glass of sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced tea complements the meal beautifully. If you prefer something even lighter, a citrusy soda or a homemade lemonade would also work wonderfully with the Cajun spices.
Recipe Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta turns out absolutely perfect every time:
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Prep Everything First: This dish comes together quickly, so have your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. Slice the chicken, mince the garlic, and grate the Parmesan in advance.
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Because the chicken slices are thin, they cook very fast. Watch them closely to avoid drying them out. You want juicy, tender pieces that still hold on to the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
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Adjust the Spice: Not all Cajun seasoning blends are created equal. Some are saltier, others spicier. Taste yours first, and adjust the amount if needed, especially if you’re sensitive to heat.
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Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own Parmesan for the creamiest, dreamiest sauce.
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Thin the Sauce if Needed: If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the Parmesan, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it up without losing flavor.
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Garnish Smartly: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but you could also sprinkle extra Parmesan or even a tiny pinch of smoked paprika right before serving for extra visual appeal.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t skip seasoning the chicken generously. The Cajun spices are what make this dish truly pop with flavor.
- Sauté the garlic gently. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter, so only cook it until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
- Control the cream temperature. Don’t let the heavy cream boil; a gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from separating.
- Reserve pasta water. It’s like liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
- Taste and adjust. Everyone’s idea of the perfect spice level is different. Taste the sauce before serving and add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it hotter.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 720 per serving (approximate)
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 680mg
(Note: These are rough estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient amounts used.)
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is great, but you can also use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose what you have on hand or what you prefer.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a comfort food classic that feels a little fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up on a weeknight. Plus, it’s versatile; you can spice it up, lighten it down, or toss in extra veggies to make it your own.
The combination of juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and tender penne pasta creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s all made with easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, making a special dinner for two, or just treating yourself to something extra delicious, this dish delivers. Serve it with a crisp salad, some warm bread, and a refreshing drink, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels just as good as dining out, maybe even better because it’s made with love at home.
Once you try it, this pasta is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Give it a shot and don’t be surprised when it becomes a household favorite!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water; it’ll come in handy later if you want to loosen the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, season your sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything well so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. You’ll want every bite to be full of flavor!
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and sear them for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
Step 4: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, it turns bitter very quickly.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a soft simmer. Then, gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it completely. Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing gently to combine everything together. Let everything simmer for another minute or two to heat through.
Step 8: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if needed. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 720
- Sodium: 680
- Protein: 36