Description

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breast coated in Cajun spices with al dente penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy white wine cream sauce. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, featuring a harmonious balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness from bell peppers and parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces

Pasta

250g (8 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

Seasonings & Oils

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicy!)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (you can also use green and yellow, or a combination of colors)

Liquids & Dairy

½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup double cream (heavy cream)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside for later use.
Cook the Cajun Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies & Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits; let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the double cream and grated parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked penne pasta and Cajun chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and chicken. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra parmesan cheese for added cheesiness. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water after cooking to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative.
Add cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
Serve with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted/steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Double cream can be substituted with heavy cream if double cream is not available.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan dinner, spicy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe