Description

Ready for a dinner that’s bold, creamy, and totally irresistible? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner idea that feels gourmet but comes together in under an hour. Packed with tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a rich, garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the comfort food you crave with a spicy twist. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, planning an impressive date night dinner, or simply craving flavor-packed pasta, this dish hits all the marks. With its balance of smoky heat and creamy indulgence, it’s one of those food ideas you’ll come back to again and again. Ideal for lovers of hearty meals and easy recipes, it also makes a stellar option for family dinners, meal prepping, or even a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking and bring this restaurant-style pasta straight to your table!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine or linguine
Water + salt (for boiling)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)

Garnish (Optional):

Fresh chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened, stirring frequently.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Toss the pasta into the sauce and mix well. Add the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
Garnish and serve hot with parsley, lemon juice, or extra cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes