Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided, or to taste); 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2/3 cup diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)

If you’re craving something indulgently saucy with a bit of a spicy kick, then this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. I absolutely love how the tender, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce that clings to al dente pasta — and the best part? You can have this beauty on the table in about 30 minutes. Stick around because I’m sharing all my best tips to make sure your dish turns out just right every time.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Creamy Comfort: The creamy sauce is rich without being overwhelming, balancing the spices beautifully.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one—it’s always a hit at the dinner table.

In a white skillet filled with a creamy orange sauce, there are two main layers: on the left side, slices of browned grilled chicken arranged in a neat row with a golden crust and some sprinkled green herbs on top; on the right side, three nests of pale yellow fettuccine pasta sprinkled with black pepper and small green herb pieces. Next to the skillet on a white marbled surface, there is a small clear bowl filled with grated white cheese, and two slices of bread are partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta with Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to build layers of flavor that make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe so memorable. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good quality parmesan — they really make a difference!

Flat lay of linguine pasta nest, two boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a sprinkle of reddish Cajun seasoning, small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, white ceramic bowl with a chunk of unsalted butter, three whole garlic cloves, white ceramic bowl filled with diced fresh red tomatoes, white ceramic bowl of thick heavy whipping cream, white ceramic bowl with grated pale parmesan cheese, small white ceramic bowl holding finely chopped bright green parsley, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically and balanced placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta with Cajun Seasoning

Linguine pasta: I use linguine because its flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully, but fettuccine or penne work great too.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Even thickness is key to cooking evenly; I like to pound mine gently before seasoning.
Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin works best for searing the chicken with flavor and a nice crust.
Unsalted butter: For sautéing garlic and adding richness to the sauce without extra saltiness.
Cajun seasoning: I use about 1½ tablespoons, but this depends on your spice tolerance and the brand’s strength—start smaller, add more as needed.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for that beautiful aromatic punch.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a bit of acidity and freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: The base of the sauce—rich, smooth, and indulgent.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must! It helps thicken the sauce and brings a nutty depth.
Parsley: Finely chopped for fresh color and brightness when serving.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it your own!

Protein Swap: I’ve replaced chicken with shrimp or even smoked sausage for different vibes, and it always turns out fantastic.
Spice Level: Want it milder? Cut down on the Cajun seasoning or omit the added salt if your seasoning is already salty.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and try a dairy-free butter alternative.
Extra Veggies: I sometimes toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until just al dente — you want a little bite left because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; this is a magic trick to adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Cover your pasta to keep it warm while you make the sauce, so everything stays hot and ready to serve together.

Step 2: Season and Sear Your Chicken

Next, beat the chicken breasts gently to get an even thickness—this helps them cook uniformly. Season all over with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (adjust based on your spice preference). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear both sides until you get a golden crust, then lower the heat and let it cook through until the internal temp hits 165°F. Overcooked chicken dries out, and that’s not what we want here! Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing into thin strips; this locks in juiciness.

Step 3: Build That Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in the butter and minced garlic. Sauté briefly — just 30 to 60 seconds — until your kitchen smells incredible and the garlic is fragrant (don’t let it brown or it turns bitter). Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another couple of minutes to meld flavors. Then, pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the rest of your Cajun seasoning (taste as you go to avoid overdoing it), and stir in the freshly grated parmesan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the sauce can thicken slightly and become decadent. Give it a quick taste and season if you need to, but often the Cajun seasoning and parmesan provide a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Return those sliced chicken strips to the skillet and add your pasta right into the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything in that luscious, spicy cream. If the sauce feels a little too thick, stir in some of the reserved warm pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve piping hot, topped with chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan for that wow factor.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Thickness: I learned pounding the chicken creates even cooking, avoiding dry edges and undercooked centers.
Use Reserved Pasta Water: The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce to your noodles beautifully without watering it down.
Fresh Garlic is Key: I avoid pre-minced garlic here; fresh garlic takes the sauce from good to exceptional with its vibrant aroma.
Don’t Rush Simmering: Briefly simmer the sauce so the flavors meld but don’t boil it hard or the cream might separate.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl, showing three main layers: thick fettuccine noodles coated in a smooth, light beige sauce with small red flecks, golden-brown grilled chicken slices scattered on top with a slight char, and fresh green chopped parsley sprinkled evenly over everything. There are also thin white shavings of cheese scattered around the top, and a light dusting of black pepper is visible. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Cajun Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta with Cajun Seasoning

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with finely chopped fresh parsley because it adds a bright, herby note that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese on top is a must for that salty, nutty finish that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to freshen things up or warm, garlicky bread on the side to sop up any leftover sauce (which you’ll definitely want to do!). Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans also balance the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love transferring this pasta to a rustic serving bowl, then sprinkling with freshly chopped herbs and edible flowers for a pop of color. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and garnish with a parmesan crisp for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight, which I actually love. Just be sure to cover the pasta tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is possible but I don’t recommend it for the cream sauce—it can separate and become grainy. If you must freeze, freeze the chicken and pasta separately, then thaw and reheat gently with fresh sauce made from scratch.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high power, as that tends to dry out the chicken and curdle the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of linguine in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine is my go-to for its excellent sauce-holding surface, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. Just be sure to cook according to package instructions and adjust your sauce consistency with pasta water as needed.
How spicy is this dish with the Cajun seasoning?

The heat level really depends on the brand of Cajun seasoning and how much you use. I recommend starting with 1½ tablespoons and tasting the sauce before adding more. You can always add a pinch of cayenne if you love it extra spicy.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to prevent drying out or sauce separation.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For vegan, swap the chicken for seasoned tofu or tempeh and omit the parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.
Is it important to simmer the sauce?

Yes! Simmering helps to thicken the sauce slightly and meld the flavors, especially the garlic, tomatoes, and cheese, creating that signature creamy texture you’ll love. Just watch the heat so it doesn’t boil hard and split.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been making this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for years, and it never disappoints. It’s one of those meals that feels cozy and a little fancy all at once—great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family without a lot of fuss. The creamy sauce paired with that smoky Cajun kick? Absolute perfection. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—trust me, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation!