Dinner

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

BySarah Summers May 7, 2026May 7, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors that come together in a satisfying weeknight meal. Perfectly seasoned chicken and a rich sauce make it a dish that’s both comforting and quick to prepare.

The image shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta covered in a creamy sauce surrounding a sliced grilled chicken breast. The chicken is cut into five pieces, placed on top of the pasta in the center, with a golden-brown, slightly grilled texture and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The creamy sauce is light beige and smooth, coating the spiral pasta evenly. The dish is served in a large white round pot with red edges, set on a white marbled surface. There is a small glass bowl of chopped green herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicy)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cooking oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (or a mix of green and yellow peppers)
½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
½ cup grated parmesan
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan, add butter. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the double cream and grated parmesan. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to the sauce.
Swap penne for bow-tie or fusilli pasta for a fun twist.
Try mixing colorful bell peppers for a more vibrant dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white bowl filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is penne, cooked to a soft texture, and covered with a thick, light orange sauce. On top of the pasta, there are several slices of grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown crust, arranged in a neat row across the bowl. The chicken is sprinkled with finely grated cheese and small green parsley leaves, adding a fresh touch. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten.

What can I use if I don’t have white wine?

Chicken broth is a great substitute for white wine in this recipe, providing plenty of flavor without alcohol.

Sarah Summers