Simple Cajun Chicken Pasta for a Vibrant Dinner

There’s something magical about the sizzle of chicken cooking in a spicy marinade. This Cajun Chicken Pasta fills your kitchen with warmth and bold flavors, making it a favorite at dinner tables everywhere! With its creamy sauce and kick of spice, it’s no wonder everyone’s reaching for a second helping.

Picture this: tender chicken, bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce tossed with pasta, all coming together in one pot. It’s like your favorite comforting pasta dish, but with a lively twist! Plus, it uses pantry staples and is quicker than takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Since my first summer making Cajun dishes back in 2015, this recipe has been a hit. One night, my oldest asked if it could be on the menu every week! I learned that letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavor beautifully. With all the recipe testing I’ve done, I can promise you this dish brings family together over delicious memories.

Olivia Farnsworth

Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy and Delicious Recipe

This creamy cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful, one pot cajun chicken pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious spicy sauce, this recipe offers a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes. Enjoy this creamy cajun chicken pasta that’s both satisfying and effortlessly easy to make. Related keywords for Pinterest in the USA, in one line separated by commas: cajun chicken pasta, creamy cajun chicken pasta, one pot cajun chicken pasta, easy cajun chicken pasta recipe, spicy cajun pasta with chicken, keto cajun chicken pasta, cajun chicken alfredo pasta, baked cajun chicken pasta, 30 minute cajun chicken pasta, loaded cajun chicken pasta naturally

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound dried penne pasta
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon to 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning with salt divided
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 medium green or red bell peppers or a combination thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 6 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
• 3 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese about 3/4 cup store-bought grated plus more for serving
• 2 teaspoons sherry red or white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish optional

Method

 

1. Start by heating a large pot of salted water until it boils. Cook the penne pasta until just shy of al dente according to the package, setting aside 2 cups of the cooking water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, place the chicken pieces in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and toss well.
3. Heat a Dutch oven or large heavy pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in an even layer and sear without stirring for about 3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer chicken to a plate.
4. To the same pot, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, sliced bell peppers, garlic, and the remaining Cajun seasoning amount. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften but remain crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the canned fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, cream cheese cubes, and grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cream cheese has melted completely, about 1 minute.
6. Return the cooked chicken and any juices accumulated on the plate back into the pot. Pour in 1 cup of the reserved pasta water along with the vinegar, mixing everything evenly.
7. Add the drained pasta to the pot and toss constantly for about 1 minute until the sauce clings nicely to the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, add extra pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.
8. Season the dish to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve sprinkled with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.

Notes

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Quick Prep & Cook Time: This dish comes together in about 45 minutes perfect for busy weeknights!
• One-Pot Wonder: Just one pot for cooking means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your cozy meal without the fuss.
• Family Favorite: With its creamy sauce and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.
• Flexible & Practical: Easily tweak the ingredients or spice level to suit your family’s taste buds.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• Dried Penne Pasta: The stars of our dish, they perfectly hold onto the creamy sauce.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken pieces that soak up all those wonderful Cajun spices.
• Bold Cajun Seasoning: This adds a delightful kick and flavor that makes each bite exciting.
• Fresh Bell Peppers & Onions: For color and crunch, these add a lovely freshness to the dish.
• Cream Cheese & Parmesan: These creamy ingredients create that luscious sauce we all crave.
• Cooking Tools: A medium Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, a large pot for pasta, and a cutting board are essential.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Cajun Chicken Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of penne pasta until al dente, reserving 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a bowl, toss 2 pounds of chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook in your pot until golden brown, about 6–8 minutes total. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 sliced bell peppers, and 4 cloves of garlic for about 5 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese melts.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, add 1 cup reserved pasta water and 2 teaspoons vinegar, stirring well.
6. Finally, add the drained pasta and mix until the sauce clings to every delicious piece. Adjust the thickness with more pasta water if needed.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Here are a few quick tips to keep your Cajun Chicken Pasta perfect:

• Too Thick? If your sauce is thicker than you like, just add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Spice Level: If you’re cooking for the kids or those with more sensitive palates, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit their taste.
• Storage: Leftovers last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for easy lunches!

Serving Suggestions

This comforting meal is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Perfect For: Cozy Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or a weeknight meal.
• Garnish: Top with more Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a splash of color and extra flavor.
• Pair With: A fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up that lovely sauce.

Expert Says

When preparing Cajun chicken pasta, consider the balance of spices. The heat from cayenne and black pepper can be nicely mellowed with the creaminess of the sauce. This not only enhances flavor but also helps stabilize the dish’s overall richness, making each bite equally satisfying and flavorful.

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The Adventure of Crafting Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe was a true labor of love, taking me several rounds to perfect. I remember the first attempt; the spice level was a tad overwhelming, and the chicken was a bit dry. But with every try, I learned more, and eventually, I found the perfect balance of creaminess and spice that my family adores.

FAQs ( Cajun Chicken Pasta )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Cajun Chicken Pasta fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and creamy goodness in just under an hour. It’s comfort food that’s quick to whip up and even better served with a sprinkle of love!

Try tossing in some spinach for a nutrient boost or swapping the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. A tip from my kitchen: store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently for easy lunches.

I’d love to hear your stories did something like this grace your family table? Share your pictures or thoughts! Remember, this recipe is perfect for sharing, so save it for your loved ones. Happy cooking, dear friends!