Ultimate Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Spicy Classic for Weeknight Dinners
Spice-kissed morsels and vibrant vegetables coat every forkful in a luscious cream sauce.
Ultimate Cajun Chicken Pasta: Restaurant Flavor in Your Kitchen
Cajun chicken pasta is a vibrant and robust dish bursting with Southern flavor. Combining succulent, spice-rubbed chicken with sweet peppers, tender onions, and a silky cream sauce, this recipe is both comforting and bold, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to making this crowd-pleaser at home, plus expert tips, serving ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions for perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Full of Flavor: A balanced blend of Cajun spices brings warmth and depth without overpowering the palate.
- Colorful and Fresh: Bell peppers and tomatoes add vibrancy and a touch of sweetness.
- Satisfyingly Creamy: A luscious sauce made with cream, chicken broth, and white wine coats every fettuccine strand.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine | 1 pound |
| Cajun spice mix (store-bought or homemade) | 3 teaspoons (divided, or more to taste) |
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 3 whole, cut into cubes |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Green bell pepper | 1, seeded and sliced |
| Red bell pepper | 1, seeded and sliced |
| Red onion | 1/2 large, sliced |
| Roma tomatoes | 4, diced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chicken broth (low-sodium) | 2 cups |
| White wine | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cayenne pepper | For sprinkling |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | Chopped, for garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Slice green and red bell peppers into thin strips.
- Cut red onion in half and slice one half into thin wedges.
- Dice Roma tomatoes into small cubes.
- Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Fettuccine
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente—about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
3. Season and Sear the Chicken
- Sprinkle 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or more for extra heat) over all the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat.
- Add half the chicken in a single layer—do not stir right away! Allow it to brown undisturbed for about 1 minute.
- Flip chicken pieces and cook another minute, then remove to a clean plate. Repeat with second batch, adding oil/butter as needed.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
- With the skillet still on high, add the rest of the butter and olive oil.
- Once hot, add the minced garlic, bell pepper strips, and red onion. Sprinkle over the remaining Cajun seasoning, plus salt if necessary.
- Sauté quickly, stirring, aiming to “blacken” some of the veggies for smoky flavor—about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for just 30 seconds.
- Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
5. Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Deglaze the still-hot pan by pouring in chicken broth and white wine. Scrape up all the browned bits (these add depth!) and simmer on high 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens slightly—this takes another few minutes.
- Taste and adjust: Add more black pepper, cayenne, or salt as needed for your preferred spice level.
6. Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the sauce, along with the drained fettuccine. Toss gently to combine and coat every noodle with that creamy, spicy sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente noodles hold up best, especially once mixed into the creamy sauce.
- Use high heat for searing. Browning the chicken and veggies quickly builds the dish’s unmistakable smoky flavor.
- Adjust heat. Cajun seasoning can be mild or hot—add more cayenne or serve with hot sauce for kick.
- Customize the veggies. Try adding sliced mushrooms, yellow peppers, or a handful of spinach for even more color and nutrition.
- No wine? Simply use extra chicken broth in its place.
- Cream substitutions: Half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.
What others are reading
Making Cajun Chicken Pasta Ahead
- Prep in advance: Chop all vegetables and cut chicken up to a day ahead; store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing not ideal: The creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh and may separate after freezing and reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread: Serve with toasted French bread, garlic knots, or warm ciabatta to mop up the sauce.
- Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Wine pairing: Try a cold, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the spice and cream.
- For kids or sensitive palates: Omit extra cayenne and offer Parmesan cheese at the table.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Seafood Cajun Pasta: Add a mix of shrimp and sliced andouille sausage for a New Orleans twist.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables. Use vegetable broth and skip the wine if desired.
- Lower-calorie version: Swap some cream for milk and use grilled chicken breast.
- One-pot version: Combine all ingredients in a large pot as in Ree Drummond’s “One-Pot Alfredo”—cook pasta in the sauce for easier clean-up.
- Extra-cheesy: Fold in grated Parmesan or sharp white cheddar just before serving for a richer sauce.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
If you don’t have Cajun spice on hand, make your own! Combine the following:
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix well and store in an airtight container to have on hand!
Nutrition Information (per generous serving, estimate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~600 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 500mg (varies) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the fettuccine with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and always double-check broth and seasoning labels for hidden gluten.
Q: Is Cajun chicken pasta very spicy?
A: The spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning used. Start with less, taste, and add more spice gradually. You can omit cayenne for a milder dish.
Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or evaporated milk are good alternatives, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and thick.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Yes! Try shrimp, sausage, or even thinly sliced beef strips for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken; add a splash of milk or broth before reheating.
More Cozy Pasta Dinner Ideas
- Chicken Tortellini Soup: One-pot comfort with plenty of veggies.
- Meatball Casserole: A cheesy, crowd-pleasing baked Italian classic.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Casserole: Set it and forget it for a hearty family meal.
- Cowboy Spaghetti: Bring the Southwest to your table with this fun spin on spaghetti.
Final Thoughts
Cajun chicken pasta delivers everything you crave in a weeknight dinner—speed, spice, and a satisfying richness. With step-by-step instructions and plenty of variations, even beginner cooks can bring this Southern-inspired classic to their kitchen table. Serve it up steaming hot with a sprinkle of parsley and watch it disappear!
Printable Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 3 teaspoons Cajun spice mix (divided, or more, to taste)
- 3 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (or more broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Cayenne pepper, for sprinkling
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken with 1.5 tsp Cajun spice. Sear in hot butter/oil, turning once. Set aside.
- In same skillet, sauté garlic, peppers, onion, and rest of Cajun spice for 1 min. Add tomatoes and cook 30 sec more. Set aside.
- Deglaze pan with broth and wine. Simmer, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat; stir in cream until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken and veggies to pan. Add pasta and toss gently to coat. Season and garnish with parsley.
Kitchen Tips and Storage
- Make ahead: Prep all veggies and proteins for a 15-minute dinner rush.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freeze: Not recommended. The creamy sauce may break upon thawing.
References
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
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Read full bio of Sneha Tete
