Description

Looking for a bold and comforting dinner idea that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s a restaurant-style dish featuring perfectly seared Cajun-spiced chicken in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce that hugs every noodle. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. This easy recipe balances heat and richness in a one-pan meal that’s big on flavor and low on effort. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, spicy food ideas, or one-pot pasta inspiration, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

8 oz fettuccine

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup finely diced onion

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice, extra Parmesan, spinach or sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and rub it with Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Sear chicken on both sides for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and let it rest.

3. In the same pan, add butter and olive oil. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.

4. Pour in chicken broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add uncooked fettuccine to the pan. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens. Add broth if needed.

6. Slice rested chicken. Stir into the pasta or layer on top.

7. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest texture.

Let the chicken rest after searing before slicing to keep it juicy.

Simmer pasta uncovered and stir frequently for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan / Skillet
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: spicy pasta, cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner, one-pan recipe, creamy chicken pasta