If you are on the hunt for a creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting dinner, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender chicken tossed in fragrant Cajun spices with colorful bell peppers and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce made from chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, and heavy cream. Whether it’s a weeknight family meal or a cozy dinner with friends, this dish delivers layers of bold Southern flavors with a smooth, satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe sing. Each component is simple but essential, contributing its unique flavor, texture, and color to create a balanced and enticing plate.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a subtle earthiness and a lovely red hue for visual appeal.
- Chicken tenderloins: Tender, bite-sized proteins that soak up the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
- Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully with each forkful.
- Chicken stock (low-sodium): Creates a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering the dish.
- Minced garlic: Infuses an aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Bring smoky, rich tomato flavor that elevates the sauce complexity.
- Cajun seasoning: The star spice blend delivering heat and signature Southern zest.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides the creamy, luscious texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Dried parsley: Adds a hint of freshness and a pop of green to finish the dish.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory, cheesy richness.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken tenderloins and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step develops that wonderful crust that locks in flavor and spice.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic
Transfer the chicken to a bowl and cover to keep warm. In the same pan, add the sliced yellow and red bell peppers. Cook until they soften and release their sweet aromas. Then toss in the minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. If you crave a bolder Cajun punch, sprinkle in an extra half tablespoon of Cajun seasoning here.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock, along with the fire-roasted tomatoes and heavy whipping cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and then add your penne pasta straight into the sauce. This one-pot approach lets the pasta soak up all those amazing flavors while cooking to tender perfection.
Step 4: Cook Pasta and Thicken Sauce
Keep stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, usually about 12 to 15 minutes. As the pasta finishes cooking, lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to thicken into that luscious, creamy consistency that makes every bite memorable.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Parsley, and Parmesan
Remove the pan from the heat and fold back in the cooked chicken. Stir in the dried parsley and shredded parmesan cheese, letting them meld perfectly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then you’re ready to serve this dreamy pasta dish.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra shreds of parmesan cheese on top can add a visually fresh and delicious finishing touch. If you like a little extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also works beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread for mopping up every creamy, spicy bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli also make an excellent complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the pasta in colorful shallow bowls to showcase those vibrant bell peppers and creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can plate it alongside a wedge of lemon for a subtle zest that guests can squeeze over their serving—adding brightness to the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen a bit after resting overnight!
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, this pasta does best when you freeze the components separately—chicken and sauce in one container, cooked pasta in another—to avoid texture mushiness. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Stir often and avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine would work wonderfully depending on what you have on hand or your texture preference.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level with a flavorful blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. You can easily adjust the spice by using less or more seasoning or adding extra chili flakes.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy note.
What’s the best way to dice the chicken for this recipe?
Cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces about one-inch cubes. This size allows for even cooking and great texture in every forkful.
How can I add more vegetables to this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Feel free to toss in zucchini slices, mushrooms, or spinach along with the bell peppers to boost the veggie content and add variety to the flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that brings a comforting, homey feel to your dinner table. It’s straightforward enough for a quick weeknight meal but special enough to impress company. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta in a creamy, spicy sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that serves 4 to 4 people, it offers a delightful balance of spice and creaminess.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces
Pasta & Grains
- 1 lb penne pasta
Liquids & Dairy
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Others
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tbsp additional Cajun seasoning (optional, for stronger flavor)
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (amount as needed for cooking)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large saucepan, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken tenderloins and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to the pan. Stir until the chicken is fully coated with seasoning, and cook until browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Set aside chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and cover it to keep warm while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
- Sauté vegetables and garlic: Without rinsing the pan, add sliced yellow and red bell peppers. Cook them until they become soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Optionally, add ½ tablespoon more Cajun seasoning here for a stronger flavor.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, the can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
- Add pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook the pasta until tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently, allowing it to thicken further.
- Combine chicken and herbs: Remove the pan from heat. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with dried parsley and shredded parmesan cheese. Stir well to coat the chicken and incorporate the parsley and cheese into the sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and sauce, then add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can add extra Cajun seasoning while cooking the peppers and garlic if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness and depth to the sauce; freshly grated is best.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; pasta can thicken if left too long.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
