A luscious fusion of creamy indulgence and bold Cajun heat, this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, seared to golden perfection, then sliced over ribbons of tender fettuccine coated in a luscious, spiced cream sauce. The result? A dish that offers a warming kick with just the right touch of sweetness to balance every bite.

This recipe not only delivers restaurant-worthy flavor but also keeps cleanup simple—everything cooks in one pan. From the smoky paprika to the creamy sauce, each forkful feels like a flavorful journey to the heart of Louisiana, all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet—perfect for even heat distribution and giving the chicken that golden sear. A sharp chef’s knife is key for slicing the chicken into tender, juicy strips without shredding the meat. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula will help stir the creamy sauce without scratching your pan. Finally, a large pot or deep skillet is essential to boil the pasta evenly, though if your skillet is big enough, you can cook everything in the same pan to save on dishes.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star protein, lean yet juicy, ready to soak up Cajun spices.
Fettuccine pasta – broad ribbons that cradle the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cajun seasoning – a bold blend that delivers smoky heat and depth.

Paprika – for a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Garlic cloves – aromatic backbone to the sauce.
Heavy cream – the luscious base of the creamy sauce.

Parmesan cheese – to add nutty, salty richness.
Olive oil & butter – for searing chicken and building flavor layers.
Honey – to balance out the spice with gentle sweetness.

Fresh parsley – bright, herbaceous finishing touch.
Red pepper flakes – optional, for extra heat.

How To Make the One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

If using a separate pot, boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, honey, Parmesan, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the chicken into strips and arrange over the creamy pasta. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Serving and Storing Your One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum creaminess. Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to balance the richness. For a dinner party, garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that picture-perfect presentation.

To store, let leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust heat by reducing red pepper flakes or using mild Cajun blends.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or linguine work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent it from thickening too much before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk will bring back the creamy consistency.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cheesy, comfort-food twist.
• Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta if you want to turn up the heat.
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for a sweet-meets-smoky kick.
• One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for a quick weeknight win.
• Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta if you’re craving bold and tangy.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra spice, or dial it back? Did you swap the chicken for shrimp? I love seeing your twists on my recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s make dinner time delicious together.

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest Life With Olivia page, where I share daily kitchen creations.

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken over ribbons of fettuccine in a luscious cream sauce. Balanced with Cajun spice, a touch of honey, and a rich Parmesan finish, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.