Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (2024)

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a quick and easy dinner, making it a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner. It is creamy, cheesy, and has just enough spice. This creamy pasta with juicy chicken and tasty veggies makes this chicken pasta recipe a fan favorite.

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a favorite in our house. If you are looking for a great way to spice up (no pun intended) your pasta night, this spicy chicken pasta recipe is the perfect solution. It is easy to make and will be on the table in no time at all. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, zesty parmesan cheese, pasta, and spicy Cajun seasoning, all smothered with a creamy, flavorful sauce.

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it can be cooked and ready to serve in under 30 minutes. This Cajun chicken pasta recipe is so easy to make, that you won’t mind making it for your family over and over again – they surely won’t mind it either! To make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, you start by cooking your pasta. Once it is al dente, cook your chicken, peppers, and Cajun seasoning in a skillet. Next, you will add in your milk and cream cheese. That’s what gives this spicy chicken pasta recipe the creaminess that you are looking for. Stir the mixture until it is creamy, then add in your parmesan and pasta. When it is cooked to perfection, this Cajun chicken pasta recipe is ready to serve!

Why You’ll Love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

• This is a one pan dinner that can be ready in under 30 minutes!
• This Cajun chicken pasta recipe is creamy, spicy, cheesy, and delicious!
• The Cajun seasoning gives this pasta dish just the right amount of spice.
• This chicken pasta dinner is a great way to sneak some vegetables into your diet.
• Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a hearty, filling dinner that your whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Bow Tie Pasta: I used bow tie (farfalle pasta) for this cajun chicken pasta recipe but you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, linguini, etc.
• Unsalted Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter because you can control the salt content in your recipe.
• Minced Garlic:I prefer to use minced garlic in a jar because of how easy it is to use, but feel free to use fresh garlic for this chicken pasta recipe.
• Chicken Breasts: I use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken tenders.
• Cajun Seasoning: is a Cajun spice blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano. You can also use blackened seasoning for this spicy chicken pasta instead of Cajun seasoning.
• Salt And Pepper: Add more or less to your taste.
• Cream Cheese: Soften cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds prior to adding it to the skillet.
• Milk: I used 1% milk in this chicken pasta recipe, but you can use any type of milk.
• Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese: Will add the most flavor in this recipe.
• Red Bell Pepper: Remove the seeds and slice into thin slices.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Remove the seeds and slice into thin slices. You can substitute one red or yellow pepper for a green bell pepper.

How to make creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Cook pasta according to package directions until they become al dente. Drain pasta, rinse it with cold water, and set pasta aside.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 30-45 seconds.
• Add cubed chicken, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir ingredients until seasoning has coated the chicken and peppers well. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and peppers become soft.
• Add milk and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
• Add cooked pasta and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat the pasta well.
• Serve immediately with garlic bread or a green salad. Enjoy!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

To make this Cajun chicken pasta recipe on the lighter side, use a whole grain or quinoa pasta, substitute butter for olive oil, don’t use the cream cheese, and opt for fat free cream cheese and parmesan.

If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, you can make this Cajun chicken pasta with a different type of pasta.

If you do not have Cajun seasoning or blackening seasoning on hand, you can make your own Cajun seasoning using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, pepper and oregano.

Storing & Reheating Leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Once this creamy Cajun chicken pasta has cooled enough to store, simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat the leftovers, place in the microwave for 60 seconds or until warm throughout. Add a dash of milk to make the spicy chicken pasta sauce creamy again.

What to serve with Creamy Cajun chicken pasta

This pasta is delicious served with French bread or garlic bread. I love dipping the bread into the sauce from the pasta. These Easy Homemade Parmesan Breadsticks and this Easy 90 Minute French Bread.

You can also serve this Cajun chicken pasta with a salad on the side. I usually go with a basic Italian salad (think Olive Garden) or a caesar salad.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQ’s

What does al dente mean?

I like to say that it means almost done, but technically al dente means to leave food still a little hard. With this recipe, that basically means that your pasta doesn’t have to be cooked all the way in step one.

Where can I find Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning can be found on the spice aisle in most grocery stores.

Can I use Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese in this chicken pasta?

Sure! Feel free to use Neufchatel in this Cajun chicken pasta recipe.

Can I use a green bell pepper in this pasta instead of red and yellow?

Yes, you can definitely use a green bell pepper instead of (or in addition to) the red and yellow. peppers.

Have you tried this recipe?

RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience. Getting feedback from you helps me and other readers too!

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34 Comments

1. Christian Guzman

   September 29, 2020 at 10:30 am ·Reply

   
   Made this last night and it was incredible. Just the right combination of smooth creamy and spicy heat. Loved it!

   • April

     September 29, 2020 at 10:35 am ·Reply

     Im so glad you enjoyed it!

   • Eli

     June 18, 2021 at 9:18 am ·Reply

     I Love the this recipe,I add sauteed shrimp and everyone Loved it, Thanks

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2. Noelle

   September 29, 2020 at 10:39 am ·Reply

   
   I love a spicy dish, and pasta is another favorite! This was my ideal dish, turned out delicious!

3. Abigail Raines

   September 29, 2020 at 11:07 am ·Reply

   
   Love the seasonings you have in this tasty cajun chicken pasta! My kind of comfort food!

   • April

     September 29, 2020 at 6:03 pm ·Reply

     The Cajun seasonings are perfect for this recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

   • Kris

     March 17, 2021 at 1:28 pm ·Reply

     I made this and put 1/2 pd of sweet Italian sausage in it instead of the chicken. Everyone loved it and tasted so yummy! 😍

     • April

       March 18, 2021 at 8:33 am ·Reply

       Sweet Italian sausage sounds delicious. I’m going to have to try that. Thank you.

4. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

   September 29, 2020 at 11:36 am ·Reply

   
   Love all the flavors here, I already know I’m going to enjoy this recipe a lot!

   • April

     September 29, 2020 at 6:02 pm ·Reply

     Cajun flavors are my favorite. I hope you like it as much as we did.

5. Pam

   September 29, 2020 at 12:25 pm ·Reply

   
   We love all things Cajun around here, so this recipe is right up our alley. Thanks for sharing!

   • April

     September 29, 2020 at 6:02 pm ·Reply

     I can’t wait to hear how you like it.

6. Ryan

   December 21, 2020 at 3:55 pm ·Reply

   Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of milk?

   • Shanna

     December 21, 2020 at 5:15 pm ·Reply

     Yes, it works great and will just make it creamier.

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7. Danielle bagan

   February 12, 2021 at 11:03 am ·Reply

   Made this last night and it was devoured! Added a tiny bit of flour because it was a little liquidy and added some garlic powder, paprika, and oregano at the end! DELISH!!

   • April

     February 12, 2021 at 12:49 pm ·Reply

     I’m so glad you liked it. I love the additions you made, thank you for sharing!

8. Dianne

   May 2, 2021 at 5:07 pm ·Reply

   
   Really good and easy, too!

   • April King

     May 2, 2021 at 9:07 pm ·Reply

     I’m so glad you liked it!

9. Eli

   June 18, 2021 at 9:20 am ·Reply

   I Love the this recipe,I add sauteed shrimp and everyone Loved it, Thanks

   • April King

     June 19, 2021 at 2:20 pm ·Reply

     I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love the addition of shrimp.

10. Shannon

    September 21, 2021 at 5:02 pm ·Reply

    
    Made this for dinner tonight and it was absolutely delicious! My whole family loved it, kids included. I will definitely be making this again.

    • April King

      September 21, 2021 at 6:24 pm ·Reply

      I’m so glad your whole family enjoyed this pasta. Thank you for sharing.

11. Loretta Stewart

    November 30, 2021 at 1:27 pm ·Reply

    
    Fantastic dish! I’ve made it twice, once with chicken and once with shrimp. Delicious!

    • April King

      November 30, 2021 at 2:49 pm ·Reply

      I love the addition of shrimp. We are going to have to try that.

12. Christine

    October 2, 2022 at 3:30 pm ·Reply

    
    Delicious & easy!!!

    • April King

      October 3, 2022 at 5:31 pm ·Reply

      So glad you love it. Thank you for sharing.

13. Heather

    November 26, 2022 at 8:13 am ·Reply

    
    This is my husbands favorite meal currently. He raves to everyone about it. Have already made it several times and will continue to do so! Thanks for the great recipe

    • April King

      November 26, 2022 at 6:23 pm ·Reply

      I’m so glad he loves it so much. Thank you for sharing.

14. Emily

    January 30, 2023 at 6:00 am ·Reply

    
    I just found this recipe and my family wishes I had found it sooner!!! They loved it and said it was better than a similar dish they get at a chain restaurant!!! I did had some shrimp to the recipe too!! Thanks for the quick and delicious recipe!!

    • April King

      January 30, 2023 at 10:58 am ·Reply

      Im so glad everyone loved it. I love the addition of shrimp.

15. Justice

    February 7, 2023 at 5:36 pm ·Reply

    Hello, do you drain the juice from cooking the chicken before adding the milk and cream cheese?

    • April King

      February 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm ·Reply

      Yes

16. Tracy

    April 1, 2023 at 6:03 pm ·Reply

    
    This was a huge hit at my house!!! Will be making it again.

17. Melissa Cain

    May 7, 2023 at 5:35 am ·Reply

    
    One of my families favorite dishes that I make . Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.