Zesty Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy Southern Delight

Sizzling spices dance through a luscious cajun chicken pasta that promises an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Southern-style heat meets creamy comfort, creating a dish that instantly sparks culinary excitement.

Tender chicken nestled in a robust sauce captures the essence of bold Louisiana cooking.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of zesty seasonings and smooth, rich textures.

The recipe blends traditional cajun techniques with modern comfort food sensibilities.

Restaurants would envy this restaurant-quality meal you can craft right in your own kitchen.

Dive into this mouthwatering experience that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Ingredients List

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs cajun spices beautifully, choose fresh, plump breasts for best texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and creamy saltiness to enhance overall dish complexity.

• Linguine Pasta: Provides smooth, silky base that perfectly catches creamy sauce, select high-quality durum wheat variety.
• Butter: Creates luxurious sauce foundation, opt for unsalted butter to control dish's saltiness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers velvety, rich texture that transforms sauce into decadent coating.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright, tangy contrast to creamy sauce, select fire-roasted for deeper flavor profile.

• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers signature spicy kick and Louisiana-style warmth, choose authentic blend for genuine taste.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch and depth, fresh cloves offer most intense flavor.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth chicken searing and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness and vibrant color to final presentation.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall dish flavors, use sparingly.

Kitchen Equipment for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with enough space to cook linguine evenly.
• Non-reactive skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating creamy sauce without metallic taste.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping parsley.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise chicken and parsley cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate for measuring cajun seasoning and salt.
• Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.

Cooking Instructions for Cajun Pasta

• Pasta Foundation

Start by filling a large pot with water, adding a pinch of salt. Boil the linguine until it’s perfectly tender. Save a splash of pasta water before draining, then set aside and keep warm.

• Chicken Preparation

Gently flatten chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle generously with zesty Cajun seasoning, covering every inch.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat a skillet with a touch of olive oil. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing it to develop a golden crust. Cook slowly until the meat is fully done and juicy. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into delicate strips.

• Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence. Toss in diced tomatoes, letting them soften. Pour in rich cream, add a dash more Cajun seasoning, and stir in parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer and develop deep flavors.

• Final Harmony

Combine the sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until everything is beautifully coated and heated through. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Flavor Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Adjust the cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance by adding more or less of the spice blend for a personalized kick.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, sliced beef, or plant-based protein like tofu for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
• Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the creamy pasta.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.
• Repurpose any remaining pasta by turning it into a cold pasta salad with additional fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing next-day lunch.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Serve this creamy cajun chicken pasta with soft garlic bread and a crisp side salad to balance the rich flavors.
• Elegant Date Night Presentation: Plate the pasta in shallow white bowls, arranging the chicken strips artfully on top. Sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality look that will impress your dinner companion.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into individual containers for easy lunches during the week. The sauce holds up well when refrigerated, making this dish perfect for make-ahead meals that stay delicious and satisfying.
• Spice Level Customization: Keep extra cajun seasoning on the side so guests can adjust the heat to their preference. Some might love a fiery kick, while others prefer a milder flavor profile.

Best Ways to Store Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore its silky texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal taste and texture. Keep pasta, chicken, and sauce in separate containers for maximum freshness and easier reheating.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen pasta will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Transform leftover pasta into a delightful cold pasta salad by adding fresh herbs, diced vegetables, or a drizzle of olive oil. This quick trick breathes new life into yesterday's meal and creates an exciting lunch option.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy and rich creamy Cajun chicken pasta delivers bold Southern flavors with hearty comfort. Saucy noodles combine zesty seasonings and tender chicken for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 8 oz (226 g) linguine pasta
• 1.5–2 tbsps cajun seasoning
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ⅔ cup tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsps parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and keep warm.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Flatten chicken breasts and thoroughly coat with cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
3. Chicken Cooking: Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Slice into thin strips and set aside, keeping warm.
4. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add tomatoes. Pour in heavy cream, sprinkle additional cajun seasoning, and incorporate parmesan cheese. Simmer sauce, adjusting flavors as needed.
5. Final Assembly: Combine chicken and pasta in the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
6. Plating: Serve pasta topped with extra parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Chicken Thickness Matters: Flatten chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Seasoning Tip: Apply cajun seasoning generously and thoroughly to develop deep, robust flavor throughout the chicken.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall creaminess.
• Temperature Control: Monitor skillet heat carefully when searing chicken and simmering sauce to prevent burning and maintain optimal flavor development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg