Go Back
To make this dish, gather these key ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth These ingredients form the base of your creamy Cajun chicken pasta. The chicken brings protein, while the pasta adds heartiness. The colorful bell peppers and onion provide crunch and flavor. The heavy cream and chicken broth create a rich, velvety sauce. For that Cajun kick, you’ll need: - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Cajun seasoning gives the dish its signature flavor. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. This blend makes your meal exciting and full of flavor. Add some flair to your dish with these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese Chopped parsley adds freshness and color. Grated Parmesan brings creaminess and a savory touch. These garnishes make your creamy Cajun chicken pasta not just tasty, but also visually appealing. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of that pasta water, as you may need it later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, slice 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for that kick. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add your diced onion. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and see-through. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir. Next, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook this mix for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender. This step adds great flavor and color to your dish. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream right into the skillet with the veggies. Stir it all together. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes so it thickens a little. This creamy sauce will bring everything together. After your sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to mix it well with the sauce. Now, add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. If the mixture is too thick, pour in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. Taste it and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if you like more heat. Finally, it’s time to serve! Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal! Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine and stir it a bit. Cook until it's al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Once done, drain the pasta but save half a cup of that water. This water helps if your sauce needs thinning. Cajun seasoning packs a punch. If you want less heat, use less seasoning. Start with one teaspoon in the chicken and one in the sauce. Taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If it’s too hot, balance it with extra cream or a bit of sugar. To keep your sauce thick, let it simmer. After you add the cream and broth, let it cook for about five minutes. This reduces the liquid and thickens the sauce. If it does get too thin, toss in some grated Parmesan cheese. It adds flavor and helps to thicken up the sauce. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, ensure your pasta is cooked al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, which helps it hold up better in the creamy sauce. Season Chicken Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken before cooking. A good amount of Cajun seasoning will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the dish significantly. Opt for fresh bell peppers and parsley for a vibrant taste and presentation. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of chicken, use mushrooms or tofu. They both soak up flavors well. For the sauce, keep the same base with heavy cream and Cajun spices. Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach. This gives you great flavor and color. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free fettuccine. Many brands offer good pasta that cooks well. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Just ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy it. If you want a dairy-free dish, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These options add a creamy texture without dairy. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the Cajun taste while making it safe for those with dairy allergies. After you enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your pasta, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps bring back creaminess. Heat it over low heat until warm. In the microwave, cover it loosely. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots. If you freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it gently. The sauce may separate a bit. Adding a little cream or broth can help. Enjoy your flavorful dish whenever you like! You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and butter. This will give you a creamy feel. Another option is to use half-and-half. It is less rich but still works well. For a lighter choice, try unsweetened almond milk with cornstarch. This helps thicken the sauce. Yes, shrimp is a great swap for chicken. Cook the shrimp until pink and tender. It will add a nice seafood flavor. Adjust cooking time, as shrimp cooks faster than chicken. Just remember to season well to keep the Cajun flavor. Creamy Cajun chicken pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, let it cool before sealing. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. You can serve garlic bread or a simple salad. A Caesar salad adds a nice crunch. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. If you like rice, Cajun-style rice complements the dish well. This blog post covered creamy Cajun chicken pasta. You learned key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect pasta. I shared ways to adjust spice levels and explore variations. Remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cajun chicken pasta is versatile and fun to make. Don't hesitate to customize it to fit your taste. Happy cooking! You will impress your friends and family with this dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced chicken and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • to serve grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, sliced red, and yellow bell peppers, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add the drained fettuccine along with the reserved pasta water (if needed for consistency) and mix well to coat the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.
  • Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added creamy flavor.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more Cajun seasoning for extra spice.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta