Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting meal with a bit of spice, this Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is here to deliver. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy pasta, and the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning in one irresistible bowl.
Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner for the family or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this recipe hits all the right notes.
As we navigate the chilly winter season, a warm and satisfying plate of pasta can feel like a hug in a bowl. The spice from the Cajun seasoning adds a touch of heat that’s perfect for warming you up, while the creamy sauce brings balance and indulgence.
This recipe has become a go-to when I want to serve something hearty yet exciting. It’s quick enough to make on busy evenings, but it’s also impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, the vibrant colors from the peppers and seasoning make it look just as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, switch up the vegetables, or even use shrimp instead of chicken.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy and spicy appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a hit at family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredient List
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
More Recipes >>>>> Sweet And Sour Chicken
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: To cook the chicken and make the sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing the chicken and vegetables.
- Tongs or spatula: To flip the chicken.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure your ingredients accurately.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Coat the chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and gently toss to combine everything.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
More Recipes >>>>>> Tasty Chicken Fajitas

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until just done to keep it tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking as it can become dry.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra heat, or tone it down by using less seasoning.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it holds its shape when tossed with the sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Experiment with Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a unique twist.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken Substitutions:
- Use shrimp, sausage (like Andouille), or tofu for a different protein.
- Rotisserie chicken can save time if you’re in a pinch.
- Cajun Seasoning Alternatives:
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- For a milder option, use blackened seasoning or reduce cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable Variations:
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Swap bell peppers for cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Replace regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb Option:
- Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread:
- Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With Salad:
- Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- As a Side:
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
- For Drinks:
- Complement the meal with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea.
More Recipes >>>>> Chicken And Broccoli Stir Fry

Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- While pasta dishes are best fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and let it cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating:
- On the stove: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- In the microwave: Heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until warm. Add a little liquid if needed.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: How can I make this less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version. You can also omit the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking before adding it to the sauce.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables, or replace the cream with a lighter dairy option like half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe scales easily. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients or cook in batches.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Tongs or Spatula
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz 225 g fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
- ½ cup 120 ml chicken broth
- ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Coat the chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and gently toss to combine everything.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the pasta to plates or bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550-600 kcal
- Protein: ~35 g
- Carbohydrates: ~40 g
- Fat: ~30 g
- Saturated Fat: ~15 g
- Cholesterol: ~120 mg
- Sodium: ~850 mg (depending on the Cajun seasoning and Parmesan used)
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~4 g
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.