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Close-up of Cajun chicken pasta with creamy sauce clinging to pasta and juicy chicken. Homemade and rustic on a white counter.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

An easy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe packed with juicy chicken, bold spices, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. This 30-minute one-pan dinner is a family-favorite with restaurant-style flavor that even picky eaters love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun, southern
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoon Paprika 1 teaspoon sweet, 1 teaspoon smoked
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper Adjust to spice level
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 lb Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless, sliced into strips
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Butter For sautéing veggies
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 Red bell pepper Sliced
  • 1 Green bell pepper Sliced
  • ½ Red onion Sliced
  • ½ cup Diced tomatoes Canned or fresh
  • 2 tablespoon Green onions Chopped for garnish
  • 12 oz Penne pasta Or fettuccine
  • Salt for pasta water To taste
  • ½ cup Reserved pasta water For sauce consistency

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Large skillet Preferably 12-inch, with high sides
  • 1 Cheese Grater For fresh Parmesan
  • 1 Measuring spoons For spice mix

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken into strips and set aside.
  2. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Boil pasta 1 minute less than package; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  4. Coat chicken in seasoning and sear in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side.
  5. In same skillet, melt butter, then add bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
  6. Stir in seasoning, pour in cream and broth, then simmer for 3–5 minutes.
  7. Stir in Parmesan until sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Toss in pasta and chicken, add reserved water if needed.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimated using automated tools and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please calculate using your specific ingredients.