This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dinner ready in just 25 minutes. With perfectly spiced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious cream sauce, it delivers bold Southern flair in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes
- One-pan sauce for less cleanup
- Adjustable spice levels to suit your taste
- Versatile: Add shrimp, sausage, or keep it vegetarian
- A crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality meal at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Directions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter over high heat. Sear half the chicken for 1 minute per side, then remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Add remaining oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic with remaining Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer vegetables to the plate with chicken.
- Deglaze the skillet with wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with black pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste.
- Return chicken and vegetables to the sauce. Heat through.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Seafood twist: Add shrimp or crawfish tails
- Sausage lover: Replace or mix chicken with browned andouille sausage
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or extra veggies
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth until warmed through. Microwave reheating is also an option, stirring halfway.
FAQs
1. What Can I Use Instead Of Cajun Seasoning?
You can mix cayenne pepper, paprika, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to make your own.
2. Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving for best texture.
3. Is It Very Spicy?
It has a moderate kick, but you can adjust the cayenne to taste.
4. Can I Use Other Types Of Pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, linguine, or spaghetti all work well.
5. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives, though the flavor will vary.
6. What Wine Should I Use?
Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
7. Can I Freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta?
It’s not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
8. What If I Don’t Have Wine?
You can substitute chicken broth or water with a splash of lemon juice.
9. How Do I Keep The Chicken Juicy?
Sear over high heat for a short time and avoid overcooking.
10. What Vegetables Go Well With This?
Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini all complement the flavors.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Pasta is a satisfying dish that brings together spice, creaminess, and hearty ingredients in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Print
Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish featuring spiced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich cream sauce. It’s a quick, one-pan meal with Southern flair that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb fettuccine
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons salted butter, divided
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
4 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Black pepper, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over high heat. Sear half the chicken for 1 minute per side, remove to a plate, and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Add remaining oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic with remaining Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer vegetables to the plate with chicken.
- Deglaze skillet with white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, whisking constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Season sauce with black pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste.
- Return chicken and vegetables to the skillet and heat through.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and cayenne to control the spice level.
- Use dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or substitute with more broth and lemon juice.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.
- Great for customizing with shrimp, sausage, or extra vegetables.
- Not freezer-friendly due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg