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A serving of rich creamy cajun chicken pasta, topped with fresh parsley.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, spicy cream sauce served over your favorite pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 850 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Separate pot

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces

Cajun Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning or more, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1/2 large onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color) chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta & Garnish

  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Chicken

  • Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and Cajun seasoning until coated. Cook the seasoned chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

  • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze and Simmer Sauce

  • Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Finish the Sauce

  • Stir in the heavy cream, oregano, and cayenne pepper, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Pasta

  • Cook your chosen pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain the pasta well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Combine and Serve

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, add the drained pasta, and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency, then ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach during the sautéing step for added nutrition and flavor. If you don't have white wine, you can use additional chicken broth. Ensure your pasta is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.