Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked); 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz cream cheese; 3 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

If you’ve been looking for a comforting yet exciting dinner idea, let me introduce you to my fan-freaking-tastic Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but comes together quickly in just one pot, minimizing both fuss and cleanup—trust me, that combo is a keeper. The spicy Cajun seasoning mixed with velvety cream cheese and tender chicken makes every bite a celebration. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this dish perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in the same skillet, so prep and cleanup are a breeze.
Balanced Flavor Profile: Smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning pairs with creamy cheese for comforting richness.
Tender Chicken Cubes: Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook evenly and absorb spices well.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to tweak spice levels and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes and what’s on hand.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta with chicken, quick creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy one-pot Cajun dish - A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with creamy pasta made with short tube-shaped noodles, chopped light brown cooked chicken pieces, and a rich tan-colored sauce. Mixed in are small bits of red tomatoes and sprinkled chopped green onions on top to add bright green color contrast. A light wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered by the pasta. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth beneath the handle. The dish looks warm and inviting with a mix of soft textures and fresh garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine effortlessly to deliver big flavor. Each element plays its part—from the aromatic Cajun spice mix to the creamy finish with cream cheese, and the fire-roasted tomatoes adding a hint of smoky sweetness. Let me share a few tips to get the ingredients just right.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta with chicken, quick creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy one-pot Cajun dish - Flat lay of smoked paprika powder in a small white bowl, fresh oregano sprigs, fresh thyme sprigs, garlic powder in a small white bowl, onion powder in a small white bowl, cayenne pepper powder in a small white bowl, black peppercorns in a small white bowl, coarse salt in a small white bowl, a small pool of golden olive oil in a white bowl, a pat of creamy butter on a white ceramic plate, raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a whole yellow onion, uncooked penne pasta scattered, a small white bowl filled with fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with clear chicken broth, chunks of cream cheese on a white plate, three fresh green onions whole and uncut, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth that defines the Cajun seasoning profile; try to use quality paprika for the best flavor.
Oregano & thyme: These herbs add earthiness and a subtle aromatic note.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Conveniently boost savory tones without chopping fresh ingredients.
Cayenne pepper: Adds that signature Cajun kick; adjust to your heat preference!
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect cut into cubes for even cooking.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture once sautéed; diced finely helps it melt into the sauce.
Penne pasta: Holds up well to simmering right in the sauce without becoming mushy.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky, tangy richness that enhances the Cajun flavors.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta while building sauce depth.
Cream cheese: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy; mixing it in chunks helps it melt smoothly.
Green onions: A fresh herbaceous finish to brighten each bite.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve played around with the spice levels and ingredient swaps depending on what we’re craving or what’s fresh in season. You should too—it’s all about making it yours!

Spice it up or tone it down: I’ve found that reducing the cayenne pepper to half a pinch works great for kids but keeps the delicious flavor for adults. Or add a pinch more for a little extra heat.
Swap the chicken: Try shredded rotisserie chicken if short on time—you can skip the searing step and stir it right in near the end.
Dairy-free variation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip the butter for a creamy, vegan-friendly version. Just add a bit more broth for richness.
Bonus veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or baby spinach with the onion to boost nutrition and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Spice it Right and Prep Your Chicken

The foundation of this dish is the homemade Cajun seasoning blend—combining smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, pepper, and salt. I like to mix this in a small bowl ahead of time. Then, cube the chicken breast into roughly ½ to ¾-inch pieces for quick, even cooking. Toss the chicken pieces with the seasoning until every bite is coated—this is where the flavor party begins.

Step 2: Sear Chicken and Sauté Onion

Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams but doesn’t brown. Add the seasoned chicken and cook just until the outside starts to gain a nice golden color—about 2 minutes per side. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked through; it’ll finish cooking later with the pasta. Toss in your diced yellow onion and keep sautéing for a couple of minutes until it softens and starts releasing moisture, which helps lift the flavorful browned bits from the pan.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now add the uncooked penne pasta, the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth right into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute ingredients. Pop a lid on and bring it all to a boil. This simmering time is magic—it cooks the pasta right in that flavorful liquid, absorbing all the delicious seasonings.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir Until Perfect

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer, stirring every couple of minutes. This keeps the pasta from sticking and helps the sauce thicken nicely. After about 10 minutes, your pasta will be tender, and liquid mostly reduced into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Melt in Cream Cheese & Garnish

Drop chunks of cream cheese into the skillet, stirring until it melts into a silky, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. Finish by scattering sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh brightness. Serve immediately and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Keep Your Heat Balanced: Medium-high is great for searing chicken, but lower the flame when simmering pasta to avoid burning and uneven cooking.
Don’t Rush the Stirring: Frequent stirring keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps release that delicious starchy goodness into the sauce.
Use a Deep Skillet or Saute Pan: A 4-quart capacity or larger gives your pasta room to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Add Cream Cheese Off Heat: To avoid curdling, stir in cream cheese once you’ve turned off the burner or lowered it to very low.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta with chicken, quick creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy one-pot Cajun dish - A white plate holds a tasty mix of penne pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce. The pasta is joined by small pieces of cooked chicken and bits of tomato, all mixed together. Bright green chopped green onions are sprinkled over the top to add color. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially digging into the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions— their mild onion flavor adds freshness and a lovely color contrast. Sometimes I’ll add a little shredded Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese for an extra tangy layer. Fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the creamy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans make perfect veggie sides, too—simple and fresh to balance the heartiness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate individual portions in shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and a light drizzle of chili oil for heat and flair. This recipe also works as a cozy casserole—just bake it topped with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs until bubbly and golden on top. It’s a fantastic twist for family gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find the pasta actually tastes better the next day once all those flavors have mingled. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy pasta a few times with success. I recommend freezing in portion-sized containers with a little extra broth or cream cheese stirred through to prevent it from drying out. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat in a pan, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or milk if it looks too thick. This helps the sauce regain its creamy, luscious texture that can sometimes tighten up after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds sauce well and cooks evenly in one pot, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape and size.
How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. You can easily adjust it by cutting back cilantro or adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese. Skip the butter or swap it for olive oil to keep it dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
What if I want to add vegetables?

Great idea! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini go wonderfully in this dish. Add heartier veggies like bell peppers early with the onions and delicate ones like spinach in the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation—it’s quick, comforting, and always impresses without needing fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. I love how it brings a little spice and a lot of creamy goodness to the table. If you want a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, give this one a try. I’m confident you’ll keep coming back to it as much as I do!