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; 1 Tbsp salt (for boiling water); 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tsp olive oil; 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; Remaining Cajun seasoning (about 1/2 tbsp, or to taste); 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

If you’re a sucker for comforting pasta dishes with a little kick, you’re going to adore this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those perfect midweek meals that feels indulgent without being complicated or time-consuming. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken meets silky, cheesy sauce, all tossed with tender linguine—trust me, this recipe hits all the right notes and will have your family asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Bursting with Flavor: The Cajun seasoning delivers just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the creaminess.
Keeps Chicken Juicy: Searing and finishing the chicken in the pan locks in moisture every time.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap proteins, tweak seasonings, or toss in veggies to make it your own.

A white pan filled with two main sections: on the left, sliced grilled chicken with a golden-brown and slightly charred surface, layered neatly in a row; on the right, three swirls of light yellow fettuccine pasta with a smooth texture, all sitting in a thick, creamy orange sauce with small green herb pieces scattered throughout. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper over the top. In the background, a small clear bowl with grated cheese and two pieces of light bread rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays its part to create that luscious, balanced flavor. Simple basics combine with a few bold staples, and you’ll find that the quality and freshness really shine through.

Linguine pasta: I love linguine here because it holds the sauce so well, but feel free to use fettuccine or penne too.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Even thickness is key for cooking evenly—I always pound mine gently before seasoning.
Olive oil: Helps with that perfect sear and adds subtle richness.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce without making it greasy.
Cajun seasoning: Be mindful of the brand since spice levels vary; start with less and add more to taste.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is a must—it gives the sauce that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Diced tomatoes: They add a nice freshness and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
Heavy whipping cream: The base for that rich, velvety sauce everyone raves about.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami and thickness—grate it fresh if you can!
Parsley (finely chopped): For a pop of color and a hint of earthiness 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

I love how versatile this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is—you can easily make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Whether you’re craving something lighter or want an extra veggie boost, there are so many delicious ways to mix it up.

Spicy Kick: For those who like it hotter, adding extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce amps up the heat without losing creaminess—I’ve tried it, and it’s addictive!
Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the garlic for some extra texture and nutrients.
Protein Swap: Sometimes I use shrimp or smoked sausage instead of chicken for a fun variation that the family loves.
Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut cream and nutritional yeast can create a creamy, cheesy vibe for those avoiding dairy.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your linguine according to the package instructions until just al dente—meaning there should still be a tiny bit of bite left. I recommend reserving about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; this little trick helps loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick, making your dish silky smooth every time.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound your chicken breasts until they’re an even thickness—about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook through evenly without any dryness. Rub the chicken all over with 1½ tablespoons of your cajun seasoning, making sure every bit is coated. Heat the olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet on medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until beautifully browned. Lower the heat to low and cook until the internal temperature hits 165˚F (this is where my kitchen thermometer shines). Slice the chicken thinly and cover it to keep warm.

Step 3: Build your creamy sauce

In that same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—around 30 to 60 seconds. Don’t let the garlic burn! Toss in your diced tomatoes and let everything mingle for about 2 minutes. Now the magic happens—pour in the heavy whipping cream, sprinkle in the remaining cajun seasoning (remember to adjust according to your taste), and stir in the parmesan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often so that cheese melts perfectly into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine and finish

Return the sliced chicken to the sauce along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated and warmed through. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved warm pasta water to loosen it up to your desired creaminess. Serve straight away with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan for garnish.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Even Chicken Thickness: I always pound chicken breasts before cooking—it saves the guesswork and prevents dry spots.
Control the Spice: Start with less cajun seasoning since some blends can be pretty fiery; you can always add more to suit your heat tolerance.
Use Pasta Water Magic: That reserved pasta water is starchy and helps sauce cling perfectly without splitting—never skip this step!
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Keeping garlic golden, not brown, ensures the sauce stays fragrant rather than bitter.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This close-up image shows creamy fettuccine pasta mixed with slices of golden-brown cooked chicken on top, all coated in a thick light beige sauce with small specks of black pepper and herbs. The pasta strands look soft and slightly twisted, weaving through chunks of grilled chicken that show a crunchy outside and juicy inside. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled lightly throughout for color, along with thin white shavings of cheese scattered on top. The dish is served in a white bowl with a white marbled surface in the background, creating a clean, bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a wonderful pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Sometimes I add an extra grating of parmesan—nothing beats that salty, nutty finish. If feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon can brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

I like serving this creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread on the side is a must in my book—it soaks up all that luscious sauce perfectly. Steamed broccoli or asparagus are also great if you want something light and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls and topped with a sprig of fresh thyme or basil for that professional touch. You can even serve it in small casserole dishes with bubbly cheese browned under the broiler for a golden crust—my friends love that look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you might want to stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing the pasta with the sauce because cream-based sauces can separate, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately before adding it fresh to the sauce for a quick meal later. Just defrost in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the cream sauce from splitting. A splash of reserved pasta water or some extra cream added during reheating works wonders to keep it luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Linguine works great because it holds the sauce nicely, but you can swap in fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The spice level depends largely on the brand of Cajun seasoning you use. I always recommend starting with less and tasting the sauce before adding more. If you love heat, you can also add cayenne or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and searing on medium-high heat locks in moisture and gives a beautiful golden crust. Finishing it on low heat until it’s just cooked through (165˚F internal) prevents dryness.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can season and cook the chicken ahead of time, then reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve. The sauce is best made fresh but can be quickly reheated with a splash of cream or pasta water.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe comes together to deliver comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of spice. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a handful of simple ingredients can create such a satisfying meal that feels a little gourmet. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much.