There’s something about a creamy, spicy meal that just hits differently when the day winds down. This Cajun chicken pasta wraps tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers in a luscious, velvety sauce that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of dish you want to savor slowly, letting the warmth settle in.

Last week, after a hectic day filled with back-to-back meetings, I finally sank into my chair with a plate of this pasta. The aroma of garlic and Cajun spices filled the kitchen, teasing my senses even before the first bite. The cream sauce clung perfectly to the penne, bringing a silky texture that paired beautifully with the subtle crunch of sautéed peppers. Each mouthful was a comforting reminder that sometimes the best meals come from simple, well-loved flavors brought together with care.

Why You’ll Love It:
– One-pan convenience means less mess and more time to relax.
– Bold Cajun seasoning balances perfectly with the creamy sauce.
– Tender chicken and crisp peppers add satisfying texture.
– Ready in just over half an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
– Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day meal.

If you’re worried about spice levels, the creamy base softens the heat enough to please most palates, but you can always adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your tweaks.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish with tender chicken breast, a rich and spicy cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-pan meal is easy to make and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Penne works well because it holds the sauce, but fusilli or rigatoni would be great too.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream? You can try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce may be less rich.

Can this be made gluten-free? Yes, just swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

How spicy is this dish? The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate kick, balanced by the creamy sauce, so it’s flavorful without overwhelming heat.

Does it freeze well? It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days, as the cream sauce can separate when frozen.

Ready to bring some cozy spice to your dinner? Give this creamy Cajun chicken pasta a try and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.