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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Featured in Simple Meals Ready Fast.

This cajun chicken pasta is weeknight magic! Ready in 30 minutes flat. The chicken stays juicy while sauce coats every strand perfectly. Started mild with seasoning then added more. Made it on busy Monday and family loved it. Perfect quick dinner that feels special. Even better with extra garlic.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:24:58 GMT
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A close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A close-up of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with sliced grilled chicken and garnished with parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings New Orleans flavor right to your dinner table. The spicy cream sauce hugs every strand of pasta and the juicy chicken soaks up all those amazing flavors. I love making this when I want something quick but totally impressive.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You'll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes perfect for those busy weeknights. Switch up the protein or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. The real star is that creamy Cajun garlic sauce it's absolutely addictive.

What You Need

Grab your favorite pasta I love linguine for this but any shape works great. You'll need chicken breasts and plenty of Cajun seasoning. The sauce comes together with heavy cream parmesan and diced tomatoes. Fresh garlic and parsley really bring all those flavors to life.

Let's Make It

Start your pasta water boiling and save some of that starchy water for later. Season your chicken generously with Cajun spice and get a nice sear on it. While the chicken rests start your sauce by sautéing garlic and tomatoes then pour in the cream Cajun seasoning and parmesan. Let it simmer until it's thick and dreamy then toss everything together with fresh parsley on top.

Make It Your Own

Like it spicy? Add more Cajun seasoning. Want to switch things up? Try it with shrimp or andouille sausage. Toss in some broccoli or mushrooms for extra vegetables. This recipe is so flexible you can really make it your own.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your leftover Cajun chicken pasta in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life. I don't recommend freezing this one the cream sauce just isn't the same after thawing.

A creamy fettuccine dish topped with sliced grilled chicken and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A creamy fettuccine dish topped with sliced grilled chicken and garnished with parsley. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why shouldn't I use a cast iron pan for this recipe?
Cast iron or copper pans can react with acidic ingredients like tomatoes in creamy sauces, making the sauce grainy. Use a non-reactive skillet instead.
→ How do I know how much cajun seasoning to use?
Start with half the recommended amount if using a salt-heavy cajun seasoning. You can always add more to taste, but different brands vary in salt content.
→ Why reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce if needed while adding starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
→ How do I ensure even chicken cooking?
Beat the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.
→ Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, adjust the amount of cajun seasoning to your taste. Start with less and add more after tasting the sauce.

Conclusion

This 30-minute pasta dish combines juicy sliced chicken with linguine in a creamy cajun garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, with helpful tips for adjusting seasoning and avoiding common cooking mistakes.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A quick and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken and linguine in a creamy cajun-spiced sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 8 oz linguine pasta.
02 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
03 2 teaspoons olive oil.
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
05 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning, divided.
06 3 garlic cloves, minced.
07 2/3 cup diced tomatoes.
08 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream.
09 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
10 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain and keep warm.

Step 02

Pound chicken to even thickness, season with 1 1/2 tablespoons cajun seasoning.

Step 03

Sear chicken in oil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and cook through. Slice and keep warm.

Step 04

Saute butter and garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook 2 minutes. Add cream, remaining cajun seasoning, and parmesan. Simmer.

Step 05

Add sliced chicken and pasta to sauce. Toss until warmed through. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin sauce.

Step 06

Serve topped with parmesan and parsley.

Notes

  1. Do not use cast iron or copper pans with creamy tomato sauce.
  2. Adjust cajun seasoning based on brand's salt content.
  3. Can use pasta water to thin sauce if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Large non-reactive skillet.
  • Cutting board.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 22 g