There’s something about a creamy pasta dish with a little bit of spice that makes every dinner feel like a celebration. This Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce brings together tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more.
This dish is perfect for when you want restaurant-quality pasta at home without spending hours in the kitchen. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, bold flavor to the chicken, while the creamy Parmesan sauce wraps everything in indulgent comfort. With minimal prep and a one-pan sauce, this pasta is ideal for busy weeknights, date nights, or weekend dinners when you want something special.
Serve it with a simple salad, some crusty bread, or a glass of white wine, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Cajun flavor – Spicy, smoky chicken that pairs perfectly with creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Rich and indulgent – A luscious sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Quick to prepare – Ready in under 45 minutes for a weeknight-friendly meal.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Customizable spice level – Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Cajun Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Thick cuts ensure juicy chicken.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning – Adds smoky, spicy depth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- 1 tbsp butter – Enhances richness during cooking.
Pasta
- 10–12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta – Sturdy pasta holds the creamy sauce.
- Salted water – For boiling pasta to flavor it from within.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter – Base for the sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Adds bold aroma and flavor.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Creates the rich, luscious texture.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds tangy, salty depth.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – Boosts flavor and complements Cajun seasoning.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For extra heat.
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness and color.
- Extra Parmesan cheese – For a final indulgent touch.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Saucepan for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Tongs or fork for chicken
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Rub both sides of each breast with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest while preparing pasta and sauce. Slice into strips once rested.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in 1 tbsp flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
- Slowly add heavy cream, whisking to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the creamy pasta, topping with sliced Cajun chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust spice level: Increase or reduce red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
- Protein swap: Shrimp or salmon can replace chicken for a seafood twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dish is:
- Creamy and indulgent thanks to the Parmesan garlic sauce.
- Spicy and smoky with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Satisfying and hearty, perfect for pasta lovers.
Drink pairings:
- White wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- Beer: Pale ale or lager
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea
Side suggestions:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
Nutritional Overview (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook chicken ahead: Slice and refrigerate, then reheat with sauce.
- Prepare sauce in advance: Store in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Meal prep: Portion pasta and chicken separately to avoid soggy pasta.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
1. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta all work well.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Add cream gradually and avoid boiling once cheese is added. Stir constantly.
3. Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and Parmesan substitutes.
4. Can I make this spicy for adults but mild for kids?
Cook the Cajun chicken and sauce without red pepper flakes, then sprinkle extra on adult servings only.
5. Can I cook this in one pan?
Yes, cook chicken, then make sauce in the same pan to save dishes.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
Step | Task | Time |
---|---|---|
Prep | Season chicken, mince garlic | 5–10 min |
Cook chicken | Sear on skillet | 8–10 min |
Cook pasta | Boil until al dente | 10 min |
Sauce | Creamy Parmesan garlic sauce | 5–7 min |
Combine & Serve | Toss pasta, top chicken | 5 min |
Total | Hands-on: 15 min, Cook: 20–25 min | ~40–45 min |
Serving Suggestions
- Plate pasta in shallow bowls and fan sliced Cajun chicken over top.
- Sprinkle parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Serve with garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Cajun Pasta: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to the sauce.
- Seafood Cajun Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops.
- Spicy Creamy Cajun Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is the hero here:
- Flavor: Smoky, savory, slightly spicy blend of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, and herbs.
- Tips: Toast spices lightly in a dry pan to deepen flavor.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight jar away from heat or sunlight; lasts up to 6 months.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Sear chicken before adding to pasta to lock in juices.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier, more flavorful sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce as needed.
- Slice chicken after resting to keep it juicy.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Refrigerator: Store pasta and chicken separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cooked chicken and pasta can be frozen separately for 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently in a skillet or microwave; add cream or pasta water to restore sauce.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~620 |
Protein | 36g |
Carbs | 55g |
Fat | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Dietary Notes:
- Can be made gluten-free with GF pasta.
- Can be made dairy-free with substitutions.
- High-protein, indulgent comfort food.
Conclusion
This Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and indulgence. Juicy, seasoned chicken and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce take simple pasta to a whole new level. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or dinner parties, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress while being easy to prepare.
Gather your ingredients, turn up the heat (literally and figuratively), and enjoy a pasta dish that brings bold Cajun flavor and creamy indulgence to your table.
PrintCajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a flavor-packed comfort food that blends the spicy charm of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luxurious, silky parmesan garlic sauce. Served over tender pasta, it delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right from your kitchen.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 10–12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salted water for boiling
- 2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and coat with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet, sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add heavy cream while whisking.
- Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Toss in pasta, adding reserved water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken, garnish with parsley and parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with extra parmesan or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet & Pasta
- Cuisine: American