Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

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

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub both sides of each breast with Cajun seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  5. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest while preparing pasta and sauce. Slice into strips once rested.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp flour, whisking constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.
  4. Slowly add heavy cream, whisking to combine.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  6. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Plate the creamy pasta, topping with sliced Cajun chicken.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  3. 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)

StepTaskTime
PrepSeason chicken, mince garlic5–10 min
Cook chickenSear on skillet8–10 min
Cook pastaBoil until al dente10 min
SauceCreamy Parmesan garlic sauce5–7 min
Combine & ServeToss pasta, top chicken5 min
TotalHands-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)

NutrientAmount
Calories~620
Protein36g
Carbs55g
Fat28g
Fiber3g

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.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

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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

Scale
  • 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

  1. Pat chicken dry and coat with Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet, sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and slice.
  3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking.
  7. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  8. Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
  9. Toss in pasta, adding reserved water as needed to loosen sauce.
  10. 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.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet & Pasta
  • Cuisine: American

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