This Cajun Chicken Pasta is all about letting the aroma of smoky paprika, garlic, and buttery peppers fill your kitchen while silky sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly.
I love making it on weeknights when I want something quick that still feels special, or when I need a simple dinner that packs a punch without a ton of fuss.
SaveOne pot means less cleanup, and the handful of easy ingredients makes it a reliable go to that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season the chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent, then add the bell peppers and cook another 4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze and simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, bring to a simmer, and let it bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or half and half. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine pasta and chicken
Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
- Finish with cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pasta and let it melt gently, stirring once or twice, until the cheese is creamy and evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust
Season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and add more Cajun seasoning for a bolder kick. Remove from heat.
- Serve and garnish
Divide the pasta among warm bowls, top with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately with lemon wedges or a simple green salad.
Substitutions and variations
- Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Swap heavy cream with whole milk plus a tablespoon of butter for a lighter option.
- If you do not have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Use gluten free pasta to make the dish gluten free.
Chloe's tips
- Do not skip reserving pasta water; it helps the sauce cling to every strand.
- For more heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the Cajun seasoning.
- Letting the sauce simmer gently avoids scorching the cream while keeping it velvety.
- If the sauce thickens too much, thin it gradually with additional pasta water.
How to store it
- Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Keep the pasta and sauce components separate if you plan to reheat for best texture.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- With lemon wedges on the side for a bright finish
- Over a bed of fresh arugula for extra crunch
- With crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce
- Garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use gluten free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are labeled gluten free.
Why is my sauce grainy or curdled?
High heat or adding cold dairy too quickly can cause this. Warm the cream gently and stir it into the hot liquid slowly while keeping the heat low.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a pleasant, medium heat from the Cajun seasoning. Reduce the seasoning or omit cayenne for a milder version.
Can I make this in a Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can sear the chicken first, then use the sauté or pressure cook function for the sauce and pasta, or simmer on low in a slow cooker for 4 to 6 hours.
Let's get cooking!
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight friendly, flavor packed dinner that you can feel good about serving any night of the week.
