If you’re craving a comforting dinner with big flavor and a silky, restaurant-style sauce, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Loaded with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a velvety cream sauce infused with smoky spices, this recipe delivers a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.
This dish brings the warmth of Southern cooking into a creamy, irresistible pasta bowl that’s perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime cravings strike.
⭐ What Makes This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta So Good?
There’s something magical about the mix of creamy sauce and bold Cajun spices. The combination brings depth, heat, and richness all in one bite — without overwhelming your taste buds.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- The sauce is extra creamy, clinging to every piece of pasta.
- The chicken is juicy and smoky, beautifully seared for maximum flavor.
- The Cajun spice blend gives a warm kick, balanced by the richness of the cream.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients, making it both affordable and convenient.
- It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment.
The dish pictured showcases plump penne coated in a thick, orange-hued Cajun cream sauce, topped with golden, evenly sliced chicken pieces. Fresh parsley adds color while Parmesan enhances the richness.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for deeper color)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
🔥 How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
The beauty of this recipe is that every step builds flavor — from the seared chicken to the rich, simmering sauce.
Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into long strips. Coat them generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, slightly charred on the edges, and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let it rest.
That caramelized layer left in the pan? That’s pure flavor waiting to be used.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Penne works perfectly here because its ridges help trap the creamy Cajun sauce.
Prepare the Cajun Cream Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the Parmesan and Cajun seasoning, letting the sauce simmer for several minutes until velvety smooth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency.
Combine and Finish
Add the cooked penne directly into the sauce, coating each piece thoroughly. Slice the cooked chicken if needed and lay the pieces on top of the pasta.
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spice if you want more heat.
Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is bold enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Warm garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
Its creamy texture and spicy kick make it popular for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.
🌶️ Customization Options
This dish is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences.
More Heat?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
Lighter Sauce?
Replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
More Protein?
Add shrimp or sautéed sausage.
Extra Veggies?
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
💡 Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to maintain its creamy texture.
- Add pasta water slowly to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, bold, and irresistibly creamy. With rustic Southern flavors wrapped in a luxurious sauce, it’s the kind of dish that instantly becomes a household favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with minim
