Cajun Chicken Pasta

This 25-minute Cajun chicken pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want bold flavors without the fuss.

Sliced chicken breast gets tossed in cajun seasoning and seared until golden, then tossed with penne, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying dish that comes together faster than takeout.

Why You’ll Love It

• Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Sliced chicken cooks faster and absorbs seasoning better than whole breasts.
• One-pan cooking keeps cleanup minimal.
• Customizable heat level to match your spice preference.
• Works with pantry staples most cooks already have on hand.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into strips

2 tbsp cajun seasoning (adjust for heat preference: 1 tbsp for mild, 3 tbsp for hot)

2 tbsp olive oil

Aromatics and Vegetables

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, sliced

Pasta and Sauce

12 oz penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh green onions, chopped

Steps

Cook the penne according to package directions in salted boiling water, then drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken strips with the cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and bell pepper slices, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then divide into bowls and top with fresh green onions.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

The key to this dish is slicing the chicken into strips rather than using whole breasts—more surface area means faster cooking and better seasoning absorption.

Don’t crowd the pan when searing the chicken; work in batches if needed to ensure proper browning and even cooking.

Cajun seasoning varies by brand, so taste your cooked chicken first before adding more heat at the table.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Swap the bell pepper for diced sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli for different flavor profiles.

For a protein swap, use large shrimp (cooked in about 2-3 minutes) or sliced turkey breast instead of chicken.

Serving Ideas

Serve this pasta as-is with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

Add a slice of garlic bread on the side to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.

Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé to balance the heat.

For extra vegetables, toss in spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and cut the vegetables up to 2 days ahead.

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce consistency.

The pasta and sauce can be stored separately if you prefer to keep them from getting mushy overnight.

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, so eat fresh or refrigerate for quick weeknight reheats.

If you enjoyed this cajun-spiced pasta, check out our Spicy Ground Beef Arrabbiata Pasta for another quick dinner option.

Recipe Equipment and Ingredients to Consider

A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing the chicken breast faster and cleaner.

Check out our recommended chef knives on Amazon for a quality tool that lasts.

Heavy cream is essential for the sauce—find quality options in the dairy section or explore alternatives at Amazon’s dairy products.

Cajun seasoning blends vary, so if you want a reliable brand, browse cajun seasonings on Amazon.

Invest in a good large skillet if you don’t have one—it makes one-pan cooking much easier than crowded smaller pans.

Find durable options at Amazon’s large skillets.

Fresh Parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference over pre-shredded varieties.

Check Parmesan cheese wedges on Amazon for quality options.

Quality penne pasta holds sauce better than budget brands—see what pasta options are available on Amazon.

This Cajun chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality results in half the time with minimal effort.

Keep this recipe in your rotation for busy weeknights when you need something flavorful and fast.