Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave Daily
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for serving); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt & black pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish; Extra Parmesan for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a whirlwind of to-do lists, picky eaters, and empty fridge stares, I see you. That’s exactly why this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta became a staple in my kitchen. It’s like a warm Southern hug in a bowl—comforting, spicy, and rich with flavor.

With bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a silky parmesan cream sauce, it comes together faster than your favorite sitcom rerun. Whether it’s a quick dinner after soccer practice or a cozy meal to impress guests, this dish checks every box. Trust me, you’ll crave it long after the plates are clean.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

It’s bold, creamy, and downright irresistible—everything you want in a weeknight chicken pasta dinner. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, with just one skillet and a sprinkle of Southern flair. The blackened chicken brings that smoky spice, while the luscious Parmesan sauce wraps every bite in comfort. It’s a spicy chicken pasta recipe that feels fancy, but fits your real-life schedule—kid-approved and husband-devoured in my home!

Ingredients Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to whip up this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. What makes this dish shine is how everyday staples can transform into a Southern-style pasta dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Below, I’ve broken down each ingredient with a little kitchen wisdom added in.

Fettuccine or Linguine: These long noodles are perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can swap in penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: They’re lean, cook quickly, and take on the bold Cajun seasoning beautifully. Thighs work too if you prefer a juicier cut.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the heartbeat of the dish—spicy, smoky, and full of depth. You can use store-bought or mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Olive Oil & Butter: A combo that gives you high cooking heat and buttery richness. Olive oil sears the chicken, and butter adds flavor to the veggies.
Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: They bring sweetness and color, balancing the heat of the Cajun spice. Feel free to toss in green peppers or even some mushrooms for variety.
Garlic: A must-have for depth and aroma. Freshly minced is best, but garlic powder can pinch-hit in a rush.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Add to taste, especially after the sauce comes together.
Chopped Parsley: Optional, but it adds a fresh pop of green at the end. A little sprinkle makes your plate look extra fancy.
Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea, right?

Looking for exact measurements? You’ll find the full printable recipe with amounts at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is shockingly simple to make. Think of it as your spicy chicken pasta recipe that saves the day when dinner feels like a chore. Let’s walk through it together—skillet in hand, apron on, maybe even a little music playing in the background.

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine and cook until it’s just al dente—about 10 minutes.

Don’t overcook it! That pasta will continue cooking a bit when tossed with the sauce later. Drain and set it aside, but save a splash of pasta water just in case your sauce needs thinning.

Step 2 – Prepare and Sear the Cajun Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and rub it generously with Cajun seasoning. I don’t hold back here—it’s the blackened crust that gives this dish its signature Southern-style punch.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and beautifully charred on the outside. Slice into strips and set aside.

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked grilled chicken works in a pinch—but nothing beats that fresh sear.

Step 3 – Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic

In the same skillet, drop in a tablespoon of butter—the leftover seasoning bits in the pan are flavor gold. Add your sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté for about 3–4 minutes.

They should be just-soft, not mushy. Toss in the minced garlic toward the end to keep it from burning. This step adds the fresh, savory base for your creamy bell pepper pasta.

Step 4 – Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently, letting it mingle with all the pan drippings and veggie sweetness. Once it starts to bubble, add the Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth and dreamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch more Cajun seasoning if you like an extra kick.

Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens—it’s like a blackened chicken Alfredo twist with attitude.

Step 5 – Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure each noodle is coated in that luscious sauce.

Top with the sliced Cajun chicken, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan. Give it a final toss or serve the chicken right on top for a dramatic finish.

Boom! Your Cajun fettuccine skillet is ready to steal the dinner spotlight.

Tips for Success

Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better searing.
Don’t skimp on seasoning—Cajun spice is the soul of this dish.
Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Slice chicken after resting to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Cook peppers until just tender to avoid a soggy texture.

Equipment Needed

Large Skillet: A wide, deep skillet is perfect for building the sauce and tossing everything together.
Pasta Pot: Use a roomy pot to boil your fettuccine without sticking.
Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and tossing pasta evenly in the sauce.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken and prepping your bell peppers.
Measuring Cups: Handy for the cream and cheese—eyeballing is tempting, but precision helps here.

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty, creamy bell pepper pasta that still satisfies.
Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—it soaks up the Cajun cream sauce just as beautifully. Chickpea or rice pasta holds up well here.
Dairy-free option: Sub in full-fat coconut milk for the cream and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still delicious!
Extra spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to turn this into a fiery spicy chicken pasta recipe worthy of heat-lovers.
Swap the protein: Try shrimp, smoked sausage, or even tofu for a fun remix on the classic blackened chicken Alfredo twist.
One-pot wonder: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with a bit of extra broth for a true Cajun fettuccine skillet experience—less cleanup, more flavor.
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and cut back on the cheese for a slightly leaner weeknight chicken pasta dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that creamy Cajun sauce.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Chilled White Wine: Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast.
Rustic Plating: Serve in shallow pasta bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan for that bistro-style flair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays—just heat, eat, and repeat!

Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream in this Southern-style pasta dish?

A: If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half works well and still gives you that creamy texture. For an even leaner version, try evaporated milk or whole milk mixed with a tiny pat of butter. Just keep in mind, the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still deliver that Southern-style pasta dish comfort.

Q: How spicy is this spicy chicken pasta recipe?

A: It’s got just the right kick—enough to warm your taste buds without setting off alarms. The Cajun seasoning brings heat, but you control the fire. Want more spice? Add cayenne or red pepper flakes. Feeding picky eaters? Dial it down with a mild Cajun blend or cut the seasoning in half. This spicy chicken pasta recipe plays nice with all heat levels.

Q: Can I turn this into a one-pot Cajun fettuccine skillet meal?

A: Yes, and it’s deliciously practical! Cook the pasta directly in the cream sauce with a bit of added chicken broth. It turns into a steamy, flavor-packed Cajun fettuccine skillet that saves time and dishes. Just stir often so nothing sticks, and add the chicken at the end to keep it tender.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version of this creamy bell pepper pasta?

A: You bet. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe. The bell peppers and Cajun spices still shine, and the result is a silky, creamy bell pepper pasta that’s perfect for anyone avoiding dairy. Just as comforting, just a little different.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dinner that feels indulgent but fits into your everyday chaos. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is that dish for me—warm, spicy, and soul-soothing in every bite. It brings Southern comfort and bold flavor to the table without hours of prep. Whether I’m feeding tired kids after practice or hosting friends with wine in hand, it always delivers. The smoky chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant peppers make it more than a meal—it’s a little celebration in a skillet. So go ahead, pour a glass, plate it up, and savor the joy one forkful at a time.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave Daily