If you’re craving something that offers both comfort and a spicy kick, Creamy Cajun Pasta is a darling of weeknight dinners I just can’t stop making. There’s something downright irresistible about perfectly browned Cajun chicken, tender fettuccine noodles, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a velvety, parmesan-enriched cream sauce with real New Orleans flair. This dish makes it easy to bring restaurant-level flavor into your own kitchen, all in about 30 minutes—from first sizzle to last forkful. If one-pot wonders and bold flavors make your heart sing, you’re absolutely going to fall for this Creamy Cajun Pasta. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, working together to build mouthwatering flavor, luscious texture, and eye-catching color. You’ll find these simple staples easy to source, and you can’t overstate how each one lifts your Creamy Cajun Pasta from ordinary to outstanding.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Wide ribbons are the ultimate sauce-catchers and make every bite extra satisfying.
- Olive Oil: Just a spoonful helps brown the chicken and infuses a subtle fruity note.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Slicing it into strips ensures every piece stays juicy and cooks quickly.
- Cajun Seasoning: The backbone of the dish; don’t be shy, and feel free to sprinkle a little extra for more heat.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for tons of aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: Their sweetness balances the spice and adds vibrant color.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that signature creamy texture and ultra-satisfying mouthfeel.
- Chicken Broth: It lightens the sauce up just enough while adding savory depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting effortlessly and giving salty, nutty tang.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning—taste and adjust at the end for a flawless balance.
- Chopped Parsley: Just before serving, it adds a fresh, herby pop and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Start by filling a large pot with water, seasoning it well with salt, and bringing it to a boil. Add your fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook—you want the noodles with a bit of bite to soak up all the delicious sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little bit of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil until shimmering. While it heats, toss your chicken breast strips generously with Cajun seasoning. Lay the chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer and cook for five to seven minutes, flipping once, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it handy—you’ll need it again soon!
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet (don’t wipe out the flavorful brown bits), add your minced garlic and both sliced bell peppers. Sauté for three to four minutes until the peppers are just softened and the garlic is shimmering with fragrance. This builds the backbone of the flavor for your Creamy Cajun Pasta sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—don’t boil it—then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and your sauce is rich and smooth. It’ll thicken beautifully, becoming irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add in your drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together so the noodles and chicken are coated in that luscious Cajun cream sauce. Give it a final taste, adding more Cajun seasoning, salt, or black pepper as needed. It’s nearly impossible not to sneak a taste at this point—go ahead, no one’s watching!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Pasta
Garnishes
For the finishing touch on your Creamy Cajun Pasta, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley does wonders for the color and adds a fresh, herby lift. For a little extra pizzazz, a few shavings of Parmesan or a crack of black pepper work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty garlic bread for scooping up any leftover sauce on the plate. If you want something lighter, sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli are excellent choices to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can dress up Creamy Cajun Pasta for company by piling it high in wide, shallow bowls, twirling the fettuccine into nests with tongs, and topping each serving with extra chicken, peppers, and a flourish of parsley. Try serving in a big family-style platter at the center of the table for a cozy, communal touch—the more colorful, the better!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Cajun Pasta, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks or quick lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled pasta into airtight freezer containers or resealable freezer bags. The sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious; just give it a good stir when reheating. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within two months.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a second helping, reheat Creamy Cajun Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to bring the sauce back to its luscious texture. A microwave works in a pinch—just cover your bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine is perfect for capturing all that wonderful sauce, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for chicken in Creamy Cajun Pasta?
Shrimp or thinly sliced smoked sausage are fantastic alternatives, adding their own delicious twist. For a vegetarian version, roasted mushrooms or chickpeas make a satisfying swap.
How can I make it spicier?
If you love an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a shake of red pepper flakes either with the Cajun seasoning or right at the end. Taste as you go so it’s just right!
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free cream alternative and a plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast to achieve creaminess and flavor without the dairy. Stick to the same method but adjust for thickness and taste.
Can I prepare Creamy Cajun Pasta ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prep all your components—the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, peppers, and sauce—a day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge, then just combine and warm through before serving for fresh, stress-free entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s satisfying, zesty, and wonderfully creamy, you simply can’t go wrong with this Creamy Cajun Pasta. Whether you whip it up for a family dinner or share it with friends, each bite is a little celebration. Be bold with those Cajun spices, load up on the fresh toppings, and watch this dish become a most-requested favorite in your home. Give it a go—you’re just half an hour away from pure dinnertime happiness!
Print
Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Creamy Cajun Pasta recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken strips, vibrant bell peppers, and al dente fettuccine are coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with a Cajun kick. This easy weeknight dinner is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into strips)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and cook until fully cooked and browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss until coated. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
