The Ultimate Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe That Sizzles With Flavor

Whipping up a quick cajun pasta promises an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Spicy seasonings mingle with rich cream, creating a restaurant-worthy dish you can craft in minutes.

Bold Louisiana-style spices transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Comfort meets heat in this incredibly satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation.

Southern culinary traditions shine through every twirled forkful of this creamy delight.

Complex flavors blend seamlessly, delivering a punch of excitement to your dinner routine.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this recipe can be.

Savor the Creamy Spice of Quick Cajun Pasta

• Savor Spicy Comfort: A zesty Cajun pasta that delivers bold, warming flavors perfect for satisfying hearty hunger pangs with its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Simple step-by-step instructions allow home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or professional training.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible recipe enables personalization with optional toppings like extra cheese, fresh herbs, or adjustable spice levels to match individual taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Combines familiar pasta elements with exciting Cajun seasoning, making it an appealing dish that both adults and kids can enjoy together during weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Gather Ingredients for Quick Cajun Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that adds substantial texture to the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: A spicy blend that brings bold Louisiana-style flavor to the pasta.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps cook the chicken and creates a smooth cooking surface.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Half and Half: Provides a creamy, luxurious base for the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Fresh Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, bright color and light acidity to the creamy pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note and decorative green color.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the pasta.

Master the Steps for Quick Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Step 2: Sear Seasoned Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and let it rest.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 30 seconds to remove raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Gradually pour half and half into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken and become silky smooth.

• Parmesan cheese
• Additional Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked penne into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is beautifully coated with the spicy, rich mixture.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the pasta.

• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Chopped parsley
• Extra parmesan cheese

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately while hot, and savor the bold Cajun flavors and creamy texture.

Expert Tips for Quick Cajun Pasta Perfection

• Use high-quality parmesan cheese and fresh garlic for maximum flavor depth in your Cajun pasta.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, adding gradually for perfect balance.
• Whisk continuously when adding half and half to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without lumps or curdling.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy protein every time.
• When reheating leftovers, add a splash of half and half to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent dryness.

Flavorful Twists on Quick Cajun Pasta

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or a mix of shrimp and crawfish for an authentic Louisiana-style seafood pasta experience.
• Vegetarian Volcano: Swap chicken with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version that keeps the spicy Cajun spirit alive.
• Protein Power: Use grilled blackened steak or andouille sausage instead of chicken to add a rich, smoky flavor profile to the creamy pasta.
• No-Cream Knockout: Substitute half and half with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains the recipe's creamy texture.

Best Foods to Pair with Quick Cajun Pasta

• Sip Spicy Zinfandel: Bold red wine complements the Cajun pasta's fiery seasoning, creating a perfect flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
• Pair Crisp Caesar Salad: Fresh, tangy salad balances the creamy pasta's richness, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken dish.
• Cool Down with Chardonnay: Buttery white wine softens the Cajun heat, matching the pasta's creamy sauce while adding a smooth, elegant touch to the meal.
• Serve Garlic Bread Sidekick: Crusty, herb-infused bread absorbs the sauce's delicious flavors and offers a delightful textural crunch alongside the pasta.

Keep Quick Cajun Pasta Fresh and Tasty

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain better texture.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of half and half or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Freeze pasta without chicken for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper that adds bold, zesty flavor to dishes from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C), which ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy cajun pasta brings Southern charm straight to dinner tables with irresistible flavor combinations. Creamy sauce and zesty seasonings create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tomato, diced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both surfaces. Sear chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Wipe skillet clean with paper towel.
4. Return skillet to medium heat, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Incorporate flour and whisk to create a light roux, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Gradually introduce half and half, adding tablespoon increments while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Once sauce begins thickening, pour remaining liquid more rapidly.
6. Fold in parmesan cheese, allowing complete melting. Incorporate remaining Cajun seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to personal preference.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring uniform coating. Slice chicken into strips.
8. Plate pasta, arrange chicken strips on top, and garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and extra parmesan cheese.
9. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and vibrant.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make this dish more diet-friendly and nutritious.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using less or a mild blend for those sensitive to spicy foods.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispier exterior during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg