Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta 🔥🍗🌶️🍝 Creamy, Fiery, and Packed With Bold Cajun Flavor in Every Bite

This is weeknight comfort turned fiery — pan-seared Cajun chicken tossed with pasta in a smoky, spicy, creamy sauce. You get the deep char on the chicken, a smooth sauce to balance the heat, and a hit of garlic and herbs to round it all out.

Pair it with garlic bread or a cold beer — it brings the heat in the best way.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the pasta

• 8 oz penne, fettuccine, or linguine
• Salted water for boiling

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino
• ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra kick

To finish

• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon

*Homemade Cajun blend: 1 tsp each paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Pound chicken to even thickness. Rub both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Rest, then slice.

Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Sauté garlic and sliced bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in cream, broth, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spice.

Step 4: Combine and toss
Add cooked pasta to the sauce with a splash of pasta water. Toss until everything is glossy and coated. Add sliced chicken on top or stir through.

Step 5: Finish and serve
Plate hot with chopped herbs, more cheese, and an optional squeeze of lemon to brighten the spice.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more veg
• Swap cream for coconut milk for a lighter twist
• Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken
• Add corn, tomatoes, or scallions for extra Cajun flair
• Finish with a dash of hot sauce or Cajun honey butter

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded clumps and dulls the sauce
• Let the Cajun seasoning toast in the skillet — it deepens flavor
• If sauce thickens too much, thin with pasta water or broth
• Rest chicken before slicing to lock in juiciness

Final Thoughts

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings creamy comfort and serious kick. It’s rich, smoky, a little fiery, and endlessly riffable. Perfect for date night, weeknight, or whenever you’re craving something that goes big on flavor.

Sear it. Swirl it. Serve it hot and spicy. 🔥🍗🌶️🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.