Spicy, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table. Juicy blackened chicken strips rest atop a bed of tender pasta coated in a rich, savory sauce infused with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of Cajun heat.

Perfect for weeknight indulgence or a weekend comfort dinner, this dish balances bold spices with a velvety smooth finish. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this is the kind of meal that turns ordinary evenings into something special.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Penne pasta is a top choice for this recipe. Its ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully, and it pairs well with hearty chicken slices. However, feel free to experiment with fettuccine or rotini if you prefer something with more twist or width. The key is a pasta that grips the sauce well.

Ingredients for the Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay tender when seared with Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds smoky spice and depth. You can use store-bought or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.

Olive Oil and Butter – Olive oil is great for searing the chicken, while butter adds richness to the sauce.

Heavy Cream – This is the base of the creamy sauce, providing luxurious texture and body.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor. It thickens the sauce and gives it that classic sharp, salty finish.

Garlic – Essential for aromatic depth. Freshly minced is always best.

Pasta (Penne) – Cooked al dente, this pasta type holds up well to the creamy sauce and hearty chicken.

Salt and Pepper – To season the dish and bring all the flavors together.

Fresh Parsley – Optional, but adds a burst of freshness and color as a garnish.

How To Make the Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Rub Cajun seasoning over the chicken breasts until well coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer a minute or two more to absorb flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top the pasta with sliced Cajun chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta Dish

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is best served hot straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp side salad and warm breadsticks to round out the meal. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra parmesan or a drizzle of lemon juice for brightness.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken. Just make sure to coat it with Cajun seasoning and warm it in the sauce before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

Can I make this pasta spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of cayenne or use a spicier Cajun blend to turn up the heat.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions. Sauté them before making the sauce to incorporate into the final dish.

Can I freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Freezing isn’t ideal for cream-based sauces as they can separate. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and stir frequently.

What wine pairs well with this?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce and Cajun spices beautifully.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these hearty dinner recipes too:

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for bold, buttery richness.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you’re craving comfort food baked to perfection.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a creamy vegetarian twist.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet if you love Southern-inspired skillet meals.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein for a flavorful noodle stir-fry experience.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies? Try it with shrimp instead? Or maybe a little bacon for fun?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s make dinner even better together.

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cajun Chicken Pasta combines the spicy kick of blackened chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Served over perfectly cooked penne, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal ideal for busy nights or casual entertaining. The sauce is velvety and seasoned just right, soaking into every bite of pasta and clinging to the juicy strips of seasoned chicken.

Instructions

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens.
Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.

Serve immediately while hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Dinner