It all started on a regular Tuesday night when I stood in my kitchen, staring into the abyss of my fridge, hoping inspiration would strike like a bolt of culinary lightning. I wanted something comforting yet bold, creamy yet spicy—something that would wake up my taste buds but still feel like a warm hug. And then, like a sign from the food gods, I spotted a forgotten pack of Cajun seasoning, a couple of juicy chicken breasts, and a lone smoked sausage link.
Instantly, memories of my trip to New Orleans flooded my mind—the lively jazz music, the soulful Creole cooking, and the rich, spicy aromas wafting through the French Quarter. I recalled that one unforgettable plate of Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta I had devoured, and I thought, “Why not recreate that magic at home?” But, of course, with my own little twist. A bit more heat, extra creaminess, and a perfect balance of smoky, savory goodness.
What came next was a kitchen experiment gone right. A creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta dish that had my family scraping their plates and begging for seconds. Now, I’m sharing this easy Cajun chicken pasta recipe with you—because everyone deserves to experience this bowl of pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Bold & Spicy Kick
If you love a dish that excites your taste buds, this spicy Cajun chicken pasta is for you. The Cajun seasoning brings the perfect balance of heat and smoky flavor, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
2. Incredibly Creamy
A luscious, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and a touch of butter coats every bite of pasta, ensuring that the heat is mellowed by a rich, creamy texture.
3. Quick & Easy to Make
This easy pasta dinner comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something indulgent but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.
4. Restaurant-Worthy Flavor
This dish tastes like something you’d order from a fancy dinner recipe collection, but you can make it at home with simple ingredients.
5. A One-Pan Wonder
Less mess, more flavor! Everything comes together in just one pan, meaning fewer dishes and a stress-free cleanup.
6. Customizable to Your Taste
Not a fan of chicken? Swap it for shrimp. Want it spicier? Add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. Prefer a smoky flavor? Cajun chicken pasta sausage is a great addition to the dish!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 link smoked sausage (sliced)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season & Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, season the sliced chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: In the same pan, add the smoked sausage slices and cook for about 3 minutes until they get a slight crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Notes & Tips
- For a Thicker Sauce: Add an extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Make it Healthier: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Extra Protein: Add shrimp in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms and sausage with plant-based alternatives.
Bonus Pro Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key for perfect texture.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Resting cooked chicken for a few minutes before slicing ensures juiciness.
Macronutrients per Serving
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 28g
Cajun Curiosities (Q&A Section)
1. What can I serve with this dish? Garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted veggies pair beautifully with this creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
3. How do I make it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta work great.
