Cajun Chicken Pasta
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This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavor-packed weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Tender chicken, colorful peppers, and pasta are coated in a rich, seasoned cream sauce that’s bursting with Cajun spice. It’s the perfect recipe for a comforting, delicious dinner at home.
I could happily eat meals like this every night. Pasta, creamy sauce, chicken? Yes, please. This recipe is easy to make and delivers big, delicious results. It’s full of flavor, and every ingredient plays its part beautifully. Best of all, it comes together without a lot of fuss, and I’ll walk you through every step.
I first got this recipe from a friend who told me it was a copycat for Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta. She wasn’t kidding. I’ve had the restaurant version before, and the flavor here is remarkably close. She originally spotted it on social media, but with a little digging, I think the recipe traces back to Taste of Home. So, a big thanks to them for sharing such a delicious idea.
You need to try this! After just one bite, I have a feeling this Cajun Chicken Pasta will earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Let’s get into the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This dish has the same indulgent, flavor-packed appeal you’d find at a favorite dinner spot, yet it comes together in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.
- The flavors are bold but customizable. Cajun seasoning brings a warm, savory kick that you can adjust to your liking. Keep it mild for a family-friendly dinner or turn up the heat if you like a bit of spice.
- It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one pan. You get tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce all in the same dish.
- It’s versatile and easy to change up. Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even extra veggies for a meatless version.
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy pasta recipe.
- Chicken breasts – Lean and tender, chicken breasts are the perfect protein to soak up the Cajun spices and creamy sauce in this dish.
- Cajun seasoning – A flavorful blend of spices that gives the pasta its signature kick and bold, savory taste.
- Penne pasta – The short, tube-like shape of penne holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- Butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor to both the chicken and the vegetables as they cook.
- Red bell pepper – Bright and sweet, red peppers add a pop of color and a fresh, crisp bite.
- Green bell pepper – Milder and slightly earthy in flavor, green peppers balance the sweetness of the red ones.
- Mushroom – Brings a savory, umami flavor and tender texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Green onions – Add a mild onion flavor and a fresh, bright note to the dish.
- Heavy whipping cream – Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- Dried basil – Adds a subtle herbal note that works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Lemon-pepper seasoning – Brings a light citrusy zing along with a bit of peppery warmth.
- Garlic powder – Infuses the dish with gentle, garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Plum tomatoes – Fresh and juicy, they add a burst of flavor and brightness right before serving.
- Fresh basil – Brings a fragrant, fresh finish that lifts the richness of the dish.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and a hint of indulgence to the finished pasta.
How To Make
I’m going to show you how to make this Cajun Chicken Pasta. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning and let it stand for 15 minutes. While the chicken is resting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until fully cooked, about six to seven minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, mushrooms, and green onions. Sauté until the peppers are tender but still crisp, about six to seven minutes.
- Stir in the cream, salt, dried basil, lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Add the pasta and chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through. Remove from the heat and top with chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
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And with that, dinner is served! I really hope you enjoy this dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t my cream sauce thicken, or why does it get too thick?
Simmer gently until it lightly coats a spoon, then add the pasta and let the starch help it tighten. If it gets too thick, splash in reserved pasta water or a bit of milk and stir until silky again. If it ever looks like it might separate, take the pan off the heat and whisk in a tablespoon or two of cream to bring it back together.
I don’t have Cajun seasoning. What can I use?
Make a quick blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and salt. Start light, then taste, and add more as needed. If you prefer less sodium, use a low-salt blend and season the dish with salt at the end.
Can I swap the protein or make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Try shrimp, andouille sausage, or rotisserie chicken for quick prep. For a meatless version, double the mushrooms and add zucchini or broccoli florets, then finish with extra Parmesan for a satisfying, creamy pasta.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
- Broccoli Pesto Pasta
- Lemon Asparagus Pasta
- Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan Pasta
- Chicken Apple Sausage One Pan Pasta
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta
- Bacon, Onion, and Goat Cheese Pasta
If you ask me, pasta night is always a good night, and this Cajun Chicken Pasta is proof of that. It’s hearty and comforting, but still has fresh and colorful ingredients. It’s one of my new favorites, and I hope you love it too. If you give this pasta a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2x½-inch strips
- 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta about 2⅓ cups
- 2 Tbsp. butter divided
- 1 small red pepper diced
- 1 small green pepper diced
- ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. dried basil
- ¼ tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped plum tomatoes
- Minced fresh basil
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning and let it stand for 15 minutes. While the chicken is resting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until fully cooked, about six to seven minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, mushrooms, and green onions. Sauté until the peppers are tender but still crisp, about six to seven minutes.
- Stir in the cream, salt, dried basil, lemon-pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Add the pasta and chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through. Remove from the heat and top with chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.