Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy pasta, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, and a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish brings a bold kick of heat from Cajun spices, complemented by the richness of cream and a touch of garlic, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The crispy, seasoned chicken pieces pair beautifully with the creamy sauce, making every bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers on both taste and ease. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to make but full of bold, exciting flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for their tender, juicy meat that pairs well with the spicy Cajun seasoning. You can also use chicken thighs for a more flavorful, slightly fattier option.
Cajun Seasoning: A blend of spices, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne, gives the chicken its signature heat and depth. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken, olive oil helps to sear the chicken and adds a bit of richness to the dish.
Pasta: Typically, Cajun Chicken Pasta is made with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. These pasta types hold the creamy sauce well, but you can choose your favorite.
Heavy Cream: The creamy base for the sauce, heavy cream adds richness and a silky texture, balancing the heat from the Cajun spices.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce, adding a fragrant, savory depth that complements the spices.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds a savory depth to the sauce and helps thin out the cream for a more manageable texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce while adding a nutty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the Cajun spices.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish and ensure everything is balanced.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, providing a light contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Directions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. This adds flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, continuing to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Equipment Needed:
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. The total cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, including pasta cooking time and preparing the sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in no time.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp or even sausage. Shrimp adds a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs well with the Cajun spices, while sausage can give the dish a richer, more robust flavor.
Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend. For more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can still use the Cajun seasoning to give the dish a spicy kick.
Pasta Choices: While traditional Cajun Chicken Pasta uses fettuccine or penne, you can experiment with other pasta shapes, such as rigatoni, bowtie, or spaghetti.
Dairy-Free Version: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 |
| Protein (g) | 40 |
| Carbs (g) | 45 |
| Fat (g) | 32 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 16 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 3 |
| Sodium (mg) | 850 |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on exact measurements and ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfecting the Sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a little pasta water or extra chicken broth to thin it out. This also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the pasta. This cuts down on cooking time and makes for a quicker meal.
Making It Spicier: To amp up the spice, add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can control the heat to your preference.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp works beautifully in this recipe. Just sauté the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until they’re cooked through, and add them to the sauce at the same point you would add the chicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for different pasta shapes.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the dish has a moderate level of spice due to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the heat by reducing the Cajun seasoning or adding more cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini will add color, texture, and flavor to the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the Cajun Chicken Pasta without the cream for a longer shelf life. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, and keeping the same flavorful Cajun seasoning.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory flavors. It’s a satisfying meal that comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. With customizable ingredients, you can make it your own, whether you prefer a spicier kick, a different protein, or even a vegetarian twist. The combination of Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy pasta, and a rich sauce is a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
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