If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, comforting flavors and comes together in no time, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, spicy, and packed with colorful bell peppers and tender chunks of chicken, it’s a soul-satisfying meal that makes weeknight dinners feel special. Whether you’re a Cajun cuisine lover or just discovering the magic of those spices, this pasta recipe hits all the right notes with its rich sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, once you try this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will become your go-to for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique taste, texture, or vibrant color that perfectly balances the dish.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and bright color that complements the spicy chicken.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a slightly different sweetness and beautiful red hue to the mix.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for soaking up that Cajun seasoning.
- Penne Pasta: The ideal pasta shape for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Chicken Stock (low sodium): Builds the base of the sauce with deep, savory flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Offers pungent aroma and enhances all the other flavors.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (canned): Adds smoky depth and a hint of acidity to balance richness.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star spice blend that brings heat and authentic Cajun flair.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Dried Parsley: Adds a fresh, subtle herbal note and a pop of green.
- Parmesan Cheese (shredded): Melts into the sauce with nutty, salty goodness.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken with Spice
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken tenderloins and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Stir the chicken well so each piece is thoroughly coated with spice. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step locks in those vibrant Cajun flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Keep the Chicken Warm
Once your chicken is beautifully browned, transfer it to a bowl and cover it to retain warmth. This keeps it tender and ready to join the sauce later on without overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté Bell Peppers and Garlic
Without wiping the pan, add in your red and yellow bell pepper strips. Let them cook until they soften just a bit, creating a sweet but tender texture. Next, throw in the minced garlic and stir it for just long enough to release its fragrance without burning. If you want your Cajun flavor extra bold, this is the perfect moment to shake in a little extra seasoning.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook Pasta
Pour the chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, and heavy cream into the pan with the peppers and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add your penne pasta right in. Stir frequently so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all of that delicious sauce. This should take around 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Combine
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce thicken slightly for a few minutes. Remove the pan from heat and return the cooked chicken to the mix along with dried parsley and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the chicken is beautifully coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Your Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve hot and fresh. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan adds a lovely finishing touch and fresh burst of flavor. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a bit of color and smoky hint that complements the Cajun spices.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread or warm cornbread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For a light contrast, steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach bring freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant colors and creamy texture. For a fun twist, spoon it over a bed of grilled shrimp or even stuff it into bell pepper halves for a colorful, hearty presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, you’ll have a quick and delicious meal ready to reheat when hunger strikes again.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors at their best.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring in between, for an evenly warmed dish that tastes just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because it holds sauce well, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted easily. Adding that extra half tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in step 3 amps up the spice, so feel free to tailor it to your taste—whether that means dialing it back or making it fiery.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to step 4 and refrigerate it before cooking the pasta. When ready to eat, bring the sauce to a boil, add pasta, then finish the recipe with chicken, parsley, and Parmesan.
What’s the best way to get tender chicken pieces?
Using chicken tenderloins is key—they cook quickly and remain juicy. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning them to allow proper searing, which locks in moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a glorious mashup of creamy, spicy, and comforting all in one bowl. It’s a recipe that’s easy to make but feels special enough for any occasion. By combining simple ingredients with the spark of Cajun seasoning, you’re treating yourself to a taste adventure right at home. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite dinner!
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Seasoned with bold Cajun spices and finished with parmesan cheese and parsley, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal packed with vibrant flavors and a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
Meat
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, diced into bite-sized pieces
Dry Goods
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp parsley, dried
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Liquids
- 32 oz chicken stock, low-sodium
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- Olive oil (for cooking, about 1-2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Heat the pan: In a large saucepan, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the protein and vegetables.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken tenderloins and Cajun seasoning to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly and cook until browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Set chicken aside: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and cover it to keep warm while you cook the vegetables.
- Sauté bell peppers and garlic: Without cleaning the pan, add the sliced yellow and red bell peppers. Cook until they soften, then add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not burnt. Optionally, add ½ tbsp additional Cajun seasoning here for a stronger flavor.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, and heavy whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the penne pasta directly into the sauce.
- Cook the pasta: Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Combine chicken and seasonings: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the cooked chicken, dried parsley, and shredded Parmesan cheese, coating everything evenly.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level based on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- If fresh parsley is available, it can be used instead of dried for a fresher taste.
- Make sure to stir frequently while cooking the pasta in the sauce to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
