Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

My Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of spicy and creamy. You will love this quick and comforting 30-minute chicken and pasta dinner.

Close up view of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta served on a plate with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley. - 4

This delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe has been a family favorite for years now. And honestly, it has been a hit with all of you as well! You should check out some of the reviews on this dreamy creamy pasta dish.

This great dinner starts with my homemade Cajun seasoning, and the end result is a perfect weeknight dinner. Everyone in my family loves this dinner, even my picky eaters, and I know that it is going to be a hit in your house too.

Made this last night everyone loved it! Will be one of our go to from now on!!

Overhead view of ingredients on countertop for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. - 5

How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta

This recipe has a few moving parts, but once you get it down, it will be a recipe you fall back on over and over. Make sure to get the full recipe at the bottom of this post.

Cook the pasta. Get your water boiling right away while you get your other ingredients ready. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Cook the chicken. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken on both sides with Cajun seasoning . Cook for about three minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make the creamy sauce. Melt butter, and add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in some half and half and let it thicken.
Add the cheese. Stir in Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best). Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Put it all together. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta, then top with tomatoes, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and the sliced cooked chicken. Enjoy!

Instant-Read Thermometer

Skillet of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta garnished with parsley. - 6

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

I love making my own seasoning mixes because I typically already have the spices to make it on hand. This simple seasoning mix comes together with paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.

While this recipe does have a little kick to it, you can totally control that by making your own Cajun seasoning. My recipe has instructions for how to make it less spicy.

5 Minute Cajun Seasoning Recipe

Tips and Tricks

This recipe is easy to make, but there are a few things to keep in mind to help it turn out perfectly.

It’s a good idea to have all your ingredients out and ready before you begin this recipe. It will make it go more smoothly.
Pound the chicken thin . This is necessary to make it cook quickly and make this a fast dinner. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to do this.
Alternatively, you could make chicken cutlets by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, though you may need more Cajun seasoning to cover them.
Don’t let the garlic burn. Keep an eye on your garlic in the butter and if you do happen to burn it, start over. Nothing ruins a recipe faster than burnt garlic.
After adding the flour, it’s important to slowly whisk in the liquid . This is what gives you a nice creamy sauce.

Overhead view of a skillet with forks for serving. - 7

Make This With Shrimp

You can also make this creamy pasta recipe with shrimp instead of chicken! Follow the steps in the recipe linked in the box below.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. To get the original creaminess of the dish while reheating, you may need to add in a little bit of heavy cream or half and half.

Overhead view of a platter of Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with forks for serving. Garnished with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley. - 8

Other Cajun-Inspired Recipes

Cajun recipes are a favorite of mine. Here are some others you should try!

Cajun Cobb Salad
Jambalaya Soup
Jambalaya Foil Packets
Cajun Shrimp Skewers

If you make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe or any of my recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you!

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Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta cooked according to package instructions
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half and half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan plus more for topping
salt and pepper to taste
1 diced tomato
fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a raging boil, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook it for the length of time indicated on the package so the pasta is al dente. Drain the past once it’s done and set it aside. Read all my tips on cooking pasta here: How to Cook Pasta . 8 ounces penne pasta
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2 tablespoons olive oil
Season the chicken on both sides with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (total for the chicken). Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Remove the chicken from the skillet. Clean the pan and return it to the medium heat.
Melt the butter, add the garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds. Slowly add the half and half, initially about a tablespoon at a time, so the sauce thickens. Add more quickly after you have added about half a cup. The whole process should take less than a minute. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon all purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups half and half
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste
Add the penne to the sauce, top with diced tomatoes, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and the sliced cooked chicken. Enjoy immediately! 1 diced tomato, fresh parsley

Recipe Video

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