Ingredients for Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The lean protein star of this pasta dish. Cut evenly for quick, consistent cooking, ensuring tender bites every time.
• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne: The foundation of our creamy Cajun chicken pasta. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, for optimal flavor absorption.
• 1.5 cups heavy cream: Provides the essential richness and luscious texture for the sauce. Use full-fat for the ultimate creamy consistency in your dish.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the sauce. Low-sodium allows for better control over the final seasoning for your creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle fruitiness. A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best for flavor.
• 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Melts into the sauce for incredible depth and a salty, umami finish. Freshly grated truly makes a difference here.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: A key aromatic that builds a sweet, savory base for the creamy Cajun sauce. Dice finely for even distribution of flavor.
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced: Adds vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and essential Cajun flavor. Fresh bell peppers contribute great texture to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor punch, enhancing the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds a crucial layer of umami and richness to the sauce. Don’t skip this for depth.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances the sauce’s richness and helps create that smooth, velvety texture. Unsalted butter gives you control over the overall seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low-sodium if preferred): The heart and soul of this dish, providing its signature spicy, savory kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste: An essential flavor enhancer, balancing all the other ingredients. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you cook for perfection.
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery bite. Freshly ground black pepper offers superior flavor compared to pre-ground.
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous finish. Adds a pop of color and lightens the richness beautifully.

How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)

Prep Ingredients:

Season chicken pieces with some Cajun seasoning, dice your onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Get a large pot of water boiling for your pasta. This initial prep makes crafting this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes) smooth and quick.

Sauté Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pan.

Sauté Aromatics:

Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and the remaining Cajun seasoning for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the rich base for your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes).

Simmer Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce slightly thickens and emulsifies, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained fettuccine or penne. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Ensure every piece is wonderfully sauced for this delightful Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Garnish & Serve:

Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve your warm, comforting Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes) immediately. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any busy weeknight!

How to Store Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)

To keep your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers promptly in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for up to 3-4 days. Don’t do what I did and leave it out; the texture will suffer. Discard if you notice any off smells or sliminess.

For make-ahead convenience, cook the chicken and sauce up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for optimal freshness.

When reheating, a splash of milk or broth helps restore creaminess.

What to Serve with Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes)

Serve this delightful Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta warm, straight from the pan. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for a beautiful presentation. It’s perfect to pair with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce. Enjoy this satisfying meal that comes together so quickly!

I personally love to serve this with a simple green salad. Its fresh, bright flavors perfectly balance the pasta’s richness, creating a wonderfully satisfying and complete meal. This pairing feels special, even on a busy weeknight.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, easily! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (like penne or fettuccine) in place of regular pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I’ve done this many times with great results.

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute, offering even more flavor and juiciness. Just ensure they are cut into 1-inch pieces and cooked thoroughly. I often use thighs for a richer taste.

→ How do I prevent the creamy sauce from curdling?

The key is a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil, especially after adding the heavy cream. High heat is the enemy of creamy sauces; I learned this the hard way with many separated sauces. Stir constantly for smoothness.

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best texture, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. I’ve definitely enjoyed these delicious leftovers for days.

→ Can I freeze this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for later?

Freezing isn’t ideal for creamy pasta sauces as they can separate and become grainy upon thawing. While technically possible, I wouldn’t recommend it for optimal texture. Better to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate.