When it comes to family dinners, Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that instantly brings warmth and connection to the table. The creamy, smoky sauce, the tender chicken, and the bold Cajun flavor turn a simple evening into a cozy family moment. The first time I made it, my children’s faces lit up with every bite—and since then, it has become a regular favorite we all look forward to.
Key Benefits
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Kid-friendly and perfect for family meals
- Ideal for busy weeknights
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing flavor
- Great for leftovers
Ingredients of Cajun Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions of Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning until coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté bell pepper and onion for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Make the Sauce: Lower heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood option.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Add cream cheese for a richer, cheesier sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference.
more recipe chicken
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. Its aroma and warmth make it perfect for relaxed family dinners filled with conversation and connection.
For more recipes, see my Pinterest
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. - What sides work best?
Green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or mixed veggies.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
A comforting and vibrant family dish featuring penne pasta, seasoned chicken, and a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
- as needed Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Notes
You can swap shrimp for chicken or add spinach/kale for more nutrients. Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Adjust spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning.