Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those magical meals that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort. With just five ingredients, I can have a rich, spicy, and satisfying dish on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s bold, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta feels like restaurant-quality comfort food with barely any prep. The Cajun seasoning brings heat and depth, while the creamy sauce balances it out beautifully. It’s perfect for busy nights when I still want something hearty and homemade without pulling out a dozen ingredients. Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Heavy cream
  • Pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Directions

  1. I cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning.
  3. I sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through, then remove and slice it.
  4. In the same pan, I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. I stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. I toss in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken, coating everything in the sauce.
  7. I serve it hot, topped with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

  • I sometimes add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for color and texture.
  • Shrimp works beautifully instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
  • I’ve used half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts the richness.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used leftover or rotisserie chicken—just season and warm it in the sauce before tossing with pasta.

Is this dish very spicy?

It depends on the Cajun seasoning. I start light and add more to taste if I want extra heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free pasta, and double-check that my Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

I’ve tried it, but the sauce is much thinner. For best texture, I stick with heavy cream or at least half-and-half.

What pasta works best?

I like short shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold the creamy sauce, but fettuccine or linguine are great too.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta proves that five ingredients can still bring big-time flavor. It’s creamy, spicy, and totally satisfying—a quick comfort meal I can count on when I need something easy but delicious.

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Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Irresistible Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American / Cajun‑Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Irresistible Five‑Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy dinner made with seasoned chicken, pasta, and a rich Cajun cream sauce—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2‑3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, season the chicken all over with the Cajun seasoning.
  3. In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan and slice.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, pour the heavy cream into the same skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan, tossing everything so the pasta is coated in the sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
  7. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.

Notes

  • You can toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and veggies.
  • Shrimp makes a great substitute for chicken, and half‑and‑half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre‑shredded, for the best melt and flavor.
  • Leftovers reheat well in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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