This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the best quick chicken pasta dish. It is full of fun and festive flavors. The Cajun spice provides a smoky and spicy hit. This homemade chicken pasta is made in a single pot and coated in a silky sauce. The tomato and seasonings add layers of flavor that the whole family will love! Have it on the table in under 30 minutes with a simple tossed salad alongside it. This Homemade Chicken Spaghetti is another comfort food dinner!
Check out this chicken asado recipe or this juicy blackened chicken for other tasty chicken dishes. For other fun and simple pasta recipes, try this tasty buffalo chicken pasta or this healthy midweek mushroom and kale pasta. So delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This Cajun chicken pasta is spicy, savory, and cream cheesy.
- It is packed with tasty seasonings and buttery chicken.
- Big flavor with only a few ingredients.
- This recipe is an easy weeknight dinner option.
- It can be cooked in under 30 minutes!
- This is the perfect quick and easy recipe to whip up in a hurry.
- It is a healthy, scratch-made recipe with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a one-pot wonder.
- This is the perfect tasty dinner without a pile of dishes.
- This recipe can be changed according to taste. Add more or less Cajun seasoning to adjust the spice level to taste.
- Great for meal prep. Make a large batch of this creamy Cajun chicken pasta and keep it in the fridge.
- The ultimate comfort food. Creamy, rich, and light at the same time.
- The warming flavors in this Cajun chicken pasta are filling and cozy.
- Check out these Cajun Pork Chops for another healthy family dinner!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full Cajun chicken pasta recipe.
Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. They are tender and work well with the Cajun seasoning. In addition, chicken thighs work well too.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish. Unsalted butter is ideal in this creamy chicken pasta. Salted butter can be used, but the salt level should be adjusted. Alternatively, use olive oil.
Cajun seasoning: Use a good quality pre-mixed Cajun seasoning or a homemade mix: paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.
White onion: Adds a mild and sweet flavor. It goes well with the other ingredients and provides a nice crunch.
Chicken broth: It is used to create a flavorful sauce. Use homemade chicken broth or store-bought, preferably low-sodium.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and freshness to the pasta. If needed, substitute with salsa.
Whole wheat penne pasta: Whole wheat penne pasta is a healthier alternative to regular pasta as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Or, use chickpea pasta or veggie pasta.
Cream cheese: Creates a creamy sauce. Make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dish. Low-fat cream cheese works in this sauce, too.
Green onions: For added freshness and a pop of onion flavor.
Taste & Texture
This one-pot Cajun chicken pasta is a spicy, tasty pasta. The sauce is creamy and smoky all at once. The Cajun seasoning is full of dried herbs and garlic for a deeply rich taste. The chicken broth adds savory goodness alongside the onions.
The chicken breasts are tender and juicy paired with the al dente pasta. The creamy texture is incredibly satisfying.
How to Make
Step 1
First, add butter to a large non-stick skillet. Once melted, add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning.
Step 2
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink.
Step 3
Add in the diced onions. Cook for 3 minutes, until slightly soft.
Step 4
Next, add in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and uncooked pasta.
Step 5
Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer this mixture for 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
Step 6
Add in the cream cheese. Stir to combine, until completely creamy.
Step 7
Finally, remove from heat. Garnish with green onions. Serve!
Expert Tips for Success
Check that the chicken is cooked correctly. Use a meat thermometer to check the center of the chicken pieces reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it back with a little extra broth. The cream cheese will thicken the sauce.
Cook the pasta until al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite to it after cooking. This will provide a nice contrast to the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
Get a good sear on the chicken. Allow the chicken to crust a little in the butter. This will add to the chicken’s color, taste, and texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Turn this into a creamy seafood Cajun pasta by switching the chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks quicker than chicken, so the cooking time must be adjusted.
Use chicken sausage instead of chicken fillets for a richer version. Grate in some fresh lemon or lime zest for added flavor.
To make the recipe even cheesier, crumble in some blue cheese. Added parmesan cheese is an easy way to enrich this flavorful pasta.
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a good foundation to add veggies to. Fold in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or corn for crunch!
Substitute the chicken for ground chicken if desired.
How to Serve & Store
Serve this Cajun chicken pasta with a healthy side salad. Have it with this white bean and pesto salad or this traditional Greek salad.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before packing it away.
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta will keep in the fridge for up to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Typical sides to Cajun chicken pasta include garlic bread or a side salad. The rich, light pasta goes well with fresh salads and light veggies.
Cajun chicken pairs well with sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh coleslaw. These choices bring balance to the dish by adding different textures and flavors.
Cajun chicken typically consists of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. The chicken is then cooked until tender and juicy.
Cajun seasoning is typically a blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. The exact combination may vary. These spices contribute to the distinctive and flavorful taste of Cajun cuisine.
Equipment Needed
Wooden Spoon: Mix the sauce and chicken with a wooden spoon.
Large Nonstick Skillet: This nonstick skillet is large enough for this pasta and chicken recipe.
You May Also Enjoy
- Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta
- Weeknight Tomato Basil Pasta
- Chicken Marinade
- Spicy Peach Chicken
- Hamburger Helper
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs (cut into ½ inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (or chickpea pasta)
- 3 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- chopped green onions (to garnish)
Instructions
- First, add butter to a large non-stick skillet. Once melted, add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add in the diced onions. Cook for 3 minutes, until slightly soft.
- Next, add in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked.
- Add in the cream cheese. Stir to combine.
- Finally, remove from heat. Garnish with green onions. Serve!
Notes
- Cut chicken into small, evenly sized cubes.
- Add the pasta uncooked to the skillet. Do not pre-cook the pasta.
- Continue stirring and cooking until pasta is al dente.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese. It is much easier to mix in.
- For real food, use whole wheat penne pasta or chickpea pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, add leftovers to a skillet over low-medium heat. Add in some chicken broth. Cook and stir until warm.
Enjoy this creamy chicken Cajun pasta recipe!
This cajun chicken pasta is brimming with flavors! The chicken was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Another addition to our weeknight meal rotation.
Made this with GF pasta and it was a hit! Loved how filling and creamy it was. Will probably throw a vegetable in next time (I’m thinking peppers) too.
I love the creamy and spicy flavor of this pasta dish. The Cajun chicken is a great complement to the pasta and sauce.