Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided; 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; 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 51 reviews

If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—rich, a little spicy, and downright comforting—you’ve got to try my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together fast on busy weeknights. The creamy sauce with that kick of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and pasta? Total crowd-pleaser. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bold flavors balanced by creaminess: The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and spice, but the heavy cream mellows it out, making every bite smooth and indulgent.
Simple ingredients, big impact: Just a few pantry staples — pasta, chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and cream — come together for something unforgettable.
Versatile and quick: It’s perfect for your casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion without hours in the kitchen.
Hands-on guidance to avoid common pitfalls: I’ll share my tips to keep the sauce silky and the chicken juicy every time.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta recipe, spicy creamy pasta, easy Cajun pasta dish, quick dinner ideas - A white round pan filled with creamy orange sauce covers the bottom layer, topped with two sections of white fettuccine pasta, loosely piled with a smooth texture and sprinkled with black pepper. On the left side, sliced grilled chicken with a crispy, dark brown crust is layered neatly over the sauce. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the chicken and pasta for garnish. A small glass bowl with grated cheese sits nearby on a white marbled surface along with two slices of bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays its part beautifully. Picking the right Cajun seasoning and using fresh garlic will kick your dish up a notch, while the creamy sauce binds it all together. Let me walk you through why I love these ingredients.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta recipe, spicy creamy pasta, easy Cajun pasta dish, quick dinner ideas - Flat lay of linguine pasta nest, two boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spice, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small chunk of unsalted butter on white ceramic plate, three fresh garlic cloves, a small white bowl with diced ripe red tomatoes, a small white bowl filled with heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, whole uncracked eggs in natural brown shells placed symmetrically, 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

Linguine pasta: Its long, flat strands soak up the creamy sauce perfectly without being too heavy.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they’re easy to cook evenly when pounded to the same thickness.
Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken, adding just a bit of fruity richness.
Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a velvety texture and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show for that smoky, spicy flair—just watch your salt levels depending on your brand.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic brings warmth and that familiar irresistible aroma.
Diced tomatoes: Add a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the dish.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates that luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and chicken.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes that deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Chopped parsley: Freshness and color — the perfect finishing touch for brightness and visual appeal.

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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

I love how adaptable this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve learned that a little adjustment here and there makes it uniquely yours—and even better! Don’t hesitate to experiment with heat levels or add veggies to your liking.

Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients—it adds a nice freshness and texture contrast.
Swap the Chicken: If you want, shrimp works amazingly here. Just reduce the cooking time so it stays tender and juicy.
Adjust Spiciness: I always start with less Cajun seasoning and add more at the end—better to build the heat gradually than overpower your palate.
Make it Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, for a similar creamy vibe.

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

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add plenty of salt—it should taste like the sea. Cook the linguine until just al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests. Save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining! This little trick will help you loosen the sauce later if it’s too thick.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Give your chicken breasts a light pounding to even out the thickness—it helps them cook evenly without drying out. Rub all over with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until you get a nice golden crust. Lower the heat and cook through until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and slice thinly. Keep warm by loosely covering with foil.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Layers

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle gently for 30-60 seconds—don’t let it brown or burn, or it’ll taste bitter. Toss in the diced tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes until their raw edge softens. Then stir in the heavy cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste (start small!), and pour in the parmesan cheese. Let this simmer gently so the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the sliced chicken to the sauce, then add your drained pasta. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand gets coated in that luscious, spicy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch of salt or extra parmesan finishes the dish perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Thickness: I swear by pounding chicken breasts for uniform cooking—no dry edges or raw centers here!
Use Pasta Water Wisely: That reserved starchy water is a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
Go Easy on Cajun Seasoning Early: Since brands vary in saltiness and heat, I always add seasoning gradually to avoid overpowering my dish.
Pan Selection Matters: Avoid cast iron or copper pans when cooking acidic creamy sauces; they can react and ruin your silky texture.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta recipe, spicy creamy pasta, easy Cajun pasta dish, quick dinner ideas - A white bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta covered in a light orange sauce, mixed with grilled sliced chicken pieces that have a golden brown outside. On top, there are scattered green parsley leaves and thin white shavings of cheese. The sauce looks smooth and well-coated around the thick pasta strands. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a slice of light bread partially shown at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I never skip the sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds such a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. A little extra parmesan right at the table is also a must in my book!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls work well too if you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try serving the pasta in pretty shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top. A dash of smoked paprika also makes a beautiful garnish and enhances the smoky Cajun vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hold up surprisingly well in the fridge—just pop them in an airtight container and they’ll keep for 3 to 4 days. The pasta will soak up the sauce as it sits, so a quick reheat with a splash of water or cream helps loosen it back up.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze creamy pasta dishes because the texture can change, but if you want to, freeze before adding the cream sauce, then add it fresh when reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, go low and slow on the stove or microwave. Stir frequently and add a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back that silky sauce loveliness. This little step really makes a difference in keeping the dish creamy and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is fantastic because it holds the sauce well, feel free to swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure to save some pasta water for thinning the sauce if needed.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The spice level depends on the brand you use and how much you add. I recommend starting with less and tasting before adding more—this way it’s perfectly balanced and not overwhelming, especially if you prefer milder heat.
Can I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and even the sauce in advance, then toss with freshly cooked pasta at serving time for best texture. Fully assembling it and storing it can be done too, but reheated pasta sometimes becomes softer, so fresh toss is ideal.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Skip the chicken and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant sautéed with Cajun seasoning. Alternatively, add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to keep that satisfying bite.
What pan works best for this recipe?

A stainless steel or non-stick skillet is perfect. Avoid cast iron or copper pans when making creamy tomato-based sauces, as they can react and cause the sauce to become grainy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for time and again when I want something delicious yet straightforward. It’s like comfort food with a little extra sass—perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. I’m excited for you to make it and, trust me, once you do, it’ll sneak its way onto your regular dinner rotation! Don’t forget to play around with the seasoning to suit your taste and savor every creamy, spicy bite.