What is Cajun chicken pasta? It’s a warm hug in tupperware, the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet for the blissful moment. Think of it as a bolder, spicier cousin to your favorite fettuccine alfredo, but with … What do you think will wake up your taste buds and leave you wanting more? I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit, especially with my family. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and that flavorful Cajun chicken… it’s pure comfort. Food elevated to another level. I bet you’ll never want to eat another boring weeknight dinner again after trying this recipe.

What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

What is Cajun Chicken Pasta? Classic Italian pasta with the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. Think of it as perfectly cooked pasta (usually fettuccine, but you can experiment! ) tossed in a creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, then topped with juicy, seasoned chicken. What is the beauty of this dish? It’s not about being authentic to any one tradition. What is it about creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting? If you’re looking for something a little different that is sure to impress, Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. What is your best friend?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The flavor is addictive. The creamy sauce paired with the spicy Cajun seasoning on the chicken is just magical. What is a flavor explosion in your mouth? What are some of the best Cajun chicken pasta recipes? What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? I always have most of them in my pantry and fridge, so it’s a great option when I don’t want to run. How do I get to the grocery store? What I love about a computer is its versatility. How do I adjust the spice level to my liking – add more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your liking. What is your preference? What are some good vegetables to add to a salad? I like to add spinach at the end of every meal. Is it good with shrimp instead of chicken? Will you make this recipe again and again? What is a blank canvas for flavor?

How do I make Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Quick Overview

How do I make Cajun Chicken Pasta? What is the best way to cook chicken? While that’s happening, you’ll boil your pasta and whip up a creamy, flavorful Cajun sauce. If you want to serve, toss everything together and serve. What is the best way to make a quick dinner for two? What is that one recipe that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? Secretly incredibly simple. How do I survive a Monday evening?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What is the recipe
* 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I like to use chicken tenderloins for extra tenderness.
* 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (I prefer a blend with tastiness) What are some of the best homemade recipes?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:
* 1 pound fettuccine pasta (but feel free to use your favorite shape!)
* Salt, for boiling the pasta

What is Cajun Cream Sauce?
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best!
* 1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes it super creamy!). I’ve even used half and half in a pinch and it still turns out great.
* 1/2 cup chicken broth. Adds depth of flavor.
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded is a must!)
* 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat).
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional, but it adds a nice touch of freshness)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper. Set aside. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. What is starchy water? Reserve 1 cup before draining. How does the sauce cling to the pasta?

Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. How do you cook garlic?

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Cajun chicken pasta immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. I also like to add a little Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to my pizza.

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best side dishes to serve with Cajun chicken pasta? Would be great additions:

What is a good light lunch?A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta perfectly. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and lemon vinaigrette.

For Dinner Parties:Garlic bread or breadsticks are always a welcome addition, especially for soaking up that delicious flavor. I sometimes make garlic butter and brush it onto slices of baguette before toasting them in a hot oven. I like it because it’s light.

What is a good way to round out your meal?Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add a healthy and flavorful element. Just toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder before roasting them.

Spice it up!:If you like spicy food, serve it with a side of jalapeno cornbread. The sweetness of cornbread and the heat of jalapenos create a fantastic contrast with the sweet potato. What are some of the best creamy, I love serving this with iced tea. What is the perfect combination for a warm evening? My family loves garlic bread. It’s a great side dish. Is it carby overload but so good? Just be sure to have some napkins handy!

How do I make Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Okay, listen up, because these are the tips that will take your Cajun chicken pasta from good to *amazing*.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and rubbery, which is the worst! Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Seriously, this is a game-changer! The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta. It also helps to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is crucial! Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more Cajun seasoning for extra spice, more Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, or more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a much richer flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unpleasant. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite.

Add Vegetables: Feel free to add veggies to your Cajun chicken pasta for extra flavor and nutrients. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach are all great additions. I usually sauté the veggies in the same skillet before making the sauce.

Make it Ahead: You can make the Cajun cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.

Spice level adjustments: If you are spice adverse, consider either cutting the cajun seasoning in half or just add a dash of cayenne pepper. A touch of heat can add some depth but it is not required.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover Cajun chicken pasta (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little milk or cream when reheating.

Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze Cajun chicken pasta, the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat the pasta, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. In the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. On the stovetop, heat it over medium-low heat, adding a little milk or cream if needed to thin out the sauce. Be careful not to overheat it, as the sauce can separate.

Glaze Timing Advice: I would not recommend freezing your pasta with the glaze. The consistency may be different as it thaws and the taste may be negatively affected. If you want to add the glaze later, wait to do so until you are about to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great options available these days. Make sure your Cajun seasoning is also gluten-free, as some blends may contain wheat flour as a thickener.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Definitely! Shrimp is a fantastic substitute for chicken in this recipe. Just cook the shrimp until pink and opaque before adding it to the sauce.

How can I make this spicier?

If you like it hot, add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

While heavy cream is what makes the sauce super creamy, you can use milk in a pinch. Just be aware that the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You can also use half-and-half for a slightly richer sauce than milk.

What other vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes are all great additions to Cajun chicken pasta.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Cajun chicken Pasta Recipe that is basically liquid gold. Seriously, this recipe is a winner every single time. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the one.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes. I’ve got a creamy tomato pasta that’s just as easy and delicious. And don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know how your Cajun chicken pasta turns out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, ratings, and variations. Happy cooking!