Name: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb fettuccine; 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 2 tbsp salted butter, divided; 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced; ½ red onion, peeled and thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; 4 roma tomatoes, diced; ½ 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

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Cajun chicken pasta is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something creamy, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, vibrant vegetables, and just the right amount of spice, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this Cajun chicken pasta comes together. In just about 25 minutes, I can have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table. The Cajun seasoning gives it a bold kick, the cream balances everything with a smooth richness, and the fresh vegetables add texture and color. I also like how versatile it is—I can keep it classic with chicken or switch things up with shrimp or sausage.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out 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 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp 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 the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Toss the chicken with half of the Cajun seasoning.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over high heat. Cook half the chicken until browned, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Add the remaining oil and butter to the pan. Sauté the peppers, onion, and garlic with the remaining Cajun seasoning for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes. Remove the vegetables to the plate with the chicken.
Deglaze the pan with white wine and chicken broth. Let it reduce for 3–5 minutes, then lower the heat and stir in the cream. Season with black pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste.
Return the chicken and vegetables to the pan, stir well, and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Add the pasta, tossing until coated. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, so I can have it ready in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes like to swap the chicken for shrimp, crawfish, or andouille sausage. If I want it meatless, I just load it up with mushrooms and extra veggies. For a lighter version, I reduce the cream slightly and add more broth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of broth or cream in a skillet over low heat to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Cajun chicken pasta less spicy?

Yes, I reduce the cayenne or use a mild Cajun seasoning blend to tone down the heat.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I prefer fettuccine, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well too.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, I simply substitute extra chicken broth for the wine.

How can I make this dairy-free?

I use olive oil instead of butter and replace the cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Can I freeze Cajun chicken pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing because the cream sauce can separate, but storing in the fridge works perfectly.

Conclusion

This Cajun chicken pasta is one of my go-to meals for a quick yet indulgent dinner. I love the way the spices, cream, and fresh vegetables come together in just 25 minutes. It’s versatile enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve when I have company. Once I make it, I always find myself craving it again soon after.