If you are looking for a delightful dish that combines bold flavors, creamy textures, and a bit of a spicy kick, then this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those recipes that feels cozy and indulgent but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Imagine tender bites of Cajun-seasoned chicken mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, tossed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce with bright pops of fire-roasted tomatoes and green peppers. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers warmth and excitement in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture. From the spicy Cajun seasoning to the creamy cheese and fresh veggies, these components come together effortless but essential for that authentic taste.
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta: A playful spiral shape perfect for holding creamy sauce with each bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sautéed veggies and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in cooking the chicken and softening the vegetables without overpowering the dish.
- ½ onion, diced: Provides a natural sweetness and texture contrast that complements the seasoning.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the pasta with a fragrant base layer of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The star of the dish that delivers the perfect balance of spice and aromatic herbs.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all other flavors without making it too salty.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy protein that absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and build a saucy base.
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smokiness and a slight acidity, balancing the creamy elements.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cut into small cubes: Transforms the sauce to a rich, velvety consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce with its indulgent smoothness.
- 3 green onions, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente – tender but still with a little bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce, so everything finishes together in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and just tender. This quick sauté softens the vegetables and releases their natural flavors, laying the perfect foundation for the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken with Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt to the skillet. Immediately add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook everything together for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has soaked up that bold Cajun flavor. This step is where the dish starts to come alive with exciting, spicy notes.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this step is key for adding flavor depth. Then, add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully and the sauce to become thick and luscious. This creamy tomato mixture will envelop the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Heavy Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and warms thoroughly. This finishing touch ensures the sauce is rich and creamy, perfectly balanced with the spices and ingredients we’ve built up so far.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish
Finally, mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing everything together until every piece of rotini is generously coated. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and pretty garnish. Now, your glorious Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped green onions added at the end are not just for color—they bring a delightful mild onion flavor and a crisp texture that beautifully contrasts with the creamy pasta. You could also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a little extra Cajun seasoning for an added kick right before serving.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is also perfect for scooping up every last bit of that amazing sauce. For a healthier touch, roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli pair wonderfully too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual skillet dishes or pretty shallow bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness. Another fun idea is to plate it over a bed of wilted spinach or even stuffed into bell peppers for a unique, festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for delicious next-day meals that just need reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This helps preserve the creamy texture and prevents the sauce from drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through, and don’t forget to sprinkle fresh green onions or Parmesan before serving again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Although rotini works wonderfully because of its shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
How spicy is the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The level of spice depends on the Cajun seasoning blend you use. It usually has a moderate heat, but you can adjust it by adding more or less seasoning, or by choosing a milder or hotter Cajun mix to tailor it to your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based oil, and replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. The dish will still be creamy and delicious, just with a slightly different texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. Ensure your Cajun seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy all the wonderful flavors without worry.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
If you prefer, you can swap chicken breasts for thighs, which are juicier and add richness. Shrimp also makes a fantastic alternative for a seafood twist on the Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s comforting yet exciting, creamy yet fresh, and perfectly balanced in flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is a winner every single time. So grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite meal that’s sure to bring joy and warmth to your table!
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich homemade sauce with a perfect blend of Cajun seasoning. This comforting dish is finished with cream cheese and heavy cream, tossed with al dente rotini pasta, making for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dry rotini pasta (¾ box)
Sauce and Chicken
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick, room temperature and cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 green onions (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook the rotini pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: While pasta cooks, melt butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and softened.
- Cook chicken and season: Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and salt into the skillet. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Deglaze and build sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add fire-roasted diced tomatoes and cream cheese cubes. Stir frequently and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the cream cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce.
- Add cream and simmer: Stir in the heavy cream, bring the mixture briefly to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is warmed through.
- Toss pasta and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it evenly with the sauce. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
