There’s something about the sizzle of seasoned chicken hitting a hot skillet that immediately draws me in. That first whiff of Cajun spices mingling with garlic and sautéed peppers fills the kitchen with a promise of warmth and bold flavor. I remember the moment I first made this creamy Cajun chicken pasta: the rich cream sauce bubbling gently, the vibrant colors of red and green bell peppers softening just right, and the tender chicken strips coated in a spicy, smoky crust. It was a quiet evening, and as I twirled the fettuccine through the sauce, every bite felt like a small celebration. Comfort and spice wrapped in a creamy hug—that’s what this dish brings to the table.
It’s the kind of meal that pulls you in after a long day, inviting you to slow down and savor the layers of flavor. The creaminess smooths out the heat, making every mouthful satisfying without overwhelming. Plus, the texture contrast between tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies keeps things interesting. Honestly, it’s been a go-to for weeknights when I want something hearty but not complicated.
- Bold Cajun seasoning adds a kick that’s lively but balanced by the creamy sauce.
- Bright bell peppers and onions bring freshness and a slight crunch.
- Rich cream and Parmesan create a velvety sauce that clings to each strand of pasta.
- Quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
If you’re a little nervous about handling Cajun spices or making a cream sauce, don’t be. The flavors marry beautifully with simple steps, and the dish comes together quickly enough to feel like a treat rather than a chore. Leftovers even heat up well, keeping that luscious texture intact.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, a spicy Cajun seasoning blend, and a rich cream sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
12 ounces fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While fettuccine is traditional here, penne or rigatoni would work nicely too, as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It has a noticeable kick, but the cream sauce softens the heat, making it approachable even if you prefer milder dishes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s silky texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will shift somewhat.
Every time I make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, it feels like a little celebration of flavors and textures. Give it a try and see how a simple meal can brighten your evening.