There is something incredibly comforting about a rich, creamy pasta dish that comes together in less time than it takes to watch your favorite TV show. Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes is the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. It is perfect for cozy evenings when you want something hearty after a long day, casual family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, or even when you are hosting friends and want an impressive dish without stress.
This recipe was inspired by Southern-style cooking, where bold spices and creamy sauces turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Cajun seasoning brings gentle heat and smoky depth, while tender chicken and pasta make the dish comforting and filling. It is the perfect blend of flavor, ease, and satisfaction.
Why You Will Love This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is more than just pasta and chicken. It is a complete comfort meal that checks every box for busy home cooks and pasta lovers.
First, it is incredibly fast. From start to finish, this recipe is designed to be ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is limited but you still want a homemade dinner.
Second, the flavors are bold yet balanced. Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth without overpowering the creamy sauce. Each bite delivers a mix of savory chicken, silky pasta, and flavorful spices.
Another reason this recipe stands out is how flexible it is. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to make it even more colorful and nutritious. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.
Lastly, this Cajun chicken pasta feels restaurant-quality while using simple grocery store ingredients, which makes it feel special without being complicated.
Ingredients
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12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work best)
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup red bell peppers, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and oregano. Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
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Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
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Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Tips for the Best Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To get the most flavor out of this recipe, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
Cooking the pasta just until al dente is important because it will continue to cook slightly once it is added to the hot sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and taste before adding more.
Letting the sauce simmer gently instead of boiling rapidly will help it thicken naturally and keep it smooth without curdling.
Healthier Variations of Cajun Chicken Pasta
You can easily make lighter versions of this dish without losing its creamy texture and bold flavor.
For a lower-calorie version, replace half of the heavy cream with additional milk or use half-and-half. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli to increase fiber and nutrients.
For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta made from rice, lentils, or chickpeas. The cooking time may vary slightly, so follow the package instructions carefully.
If you are watching your sodium intake, use a low-sodium Cajun seasoning and reduced-sodium cheese, and adjust salt levels accordingly.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is perfect for weeknight family dinners when you want something quick but satisfying. It is also great for casual dinner parties because it looks and tastes impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen.
It makes a wonderful meal for game nights, movie nights, or potluck gatherings. You can easily double the recipe and keep it warm until guests are ready to serve themselves.
It is also a comforting meal for colder weather, when warm, creamy dishes feel especially soothing and filling.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing is not recommended for cream-based sauces because the texture can change when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cajun chicken pasta less spicy?
Yes, you can easily control the heat level. Start by using only one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning instead of two. You can also choose a mild Cajun seasoning blend. The creamy sauce naturally balances out the spice, so even a small amount of seasoning will still give the dish great flavor without too much heat.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, and rotini are excellent choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. Penne and rotini trap the sauce inside their ridges, while fettuccine gives a smooth, restaurant-style presentation. You can also use linguine or spaghetti if that is what you have on hand.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie-style chicken to save time. Simply slice or shred it and add it to the sauce when combining the ingredients. Make sure to heat it gently in the sauce to avoid drying it out.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or cream a tablespoon at a time while stirring. This will loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly without becoming watery.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Home Cooks
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes is designed for real life. It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward cooking methods that anyone can follow. You do not need special equipment or advanced skills to achieve a rich, creamy, flavorful dish.
It is also a one-pan style meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The quick cooking time and bold flavors make it a go-to recipe that you will find yourself coming back to again and again.
Final Thoughts
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It delivers rich, bold flavors in a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to tender pasta and juicy chicken. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
If you are looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that is easy to prepare and full of flavor, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta deserves a place in your regular meal rotation. Try it once, and it will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight recipes.
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a quick and comforting dinner that delivers bold flavor in just half an hour. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce come together to create a restaurant-style meal at home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
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12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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½ cup yellow onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried oregano. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
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Fold in the cherry tomatoes, if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest sauce.
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Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
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Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
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When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
