Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of my absolute favorite weeknight dinners. It’s bold, creamy, and comforting—with just the right amount of Cajun spice to make every bite pop. And the best part? I only need five simple ingredients to make it happen. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something fast, filling, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich and spicy, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. It tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant, but I can make it at home with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a hungry crowd, this pasta always hits the spot—and I never hear any complaints at the dinner table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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Heavy cream
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Pasta (I usually use penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
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Parmesan cheese, grated
Optional add-ons: olive oil or butter for cooking, salt and pepper to taste, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
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I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. I reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
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While the pasta cooks, I slice the chicken into thin strips and toss it with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the chicken in a little oil or butter until golden and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes depending on thickness.
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I reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine with the seasoning.
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I add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and toss everything together until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. If it’s too thick, I add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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I serve it hot, with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and comes together in just 25 to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner after a long day.
Variations
Sometimes I add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make it more veggie-forward. I’ve also used shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. And for a gluten-free option, I simply use my favorite GF pasta.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. It still tastes great the next day and makes an easy packed lunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I’ve used leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken before. I just toss it with Cajun seasoning and warm it in the cream before adding the pasta.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
I usually go with penne or fettuccine because they hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta I have on hand works just fine.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. I just use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. I can always add more spice at the end if needed.
Does this work with dairy-free alternatives?
Yes, I’ve used coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version, and it still turns out creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze this pasta?
I don’t usually recommend freezing cream-based pastas because the sauce can separate, but it’s fine to make ahead and store in the fridge for a couple of days.
Conclusion
Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe I rely on when I want big flavor with minimal effort. It’s spicy, creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting—all made in one pan with just five ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for a cozy night in or whipping up a quick dinner after work, this dish always delivers bold taste and a whole lot of satisfaction.
Print
Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Cajun-inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Irresistible Five‑Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, spicy, and comforting pasta dish that brings restaurant‑style flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and Cajun seasoning make this pasta bold, filling, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 500 g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
- 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 300–350 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking), salt and black pepper to taste, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, heat a bit of oil or butter. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine with the chicken and spices.
- Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together until pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- For extra veggies, stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms before adding the cream.
- You can swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Use half‑and‑half or evaporated milk to lighten the dish. For dairy‑free, try coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Any pasta shape works — penne and fettuccine hold the sauce well.
- Leftovers reheat nicely: warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
