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    You are here: Home / Easy Dinner / The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta

    The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Oct 6, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Anjali
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    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    30 minutes
    Cajun Chicken Pasta in a skillet garnished with basil

    Simple Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is both creamy and spicy at the same time. Make it with Homemade Cajun Seasoning and you'll have this easy Cajun Chicken Pasta ready in less than 30-minutes⏳

    Cajun Chicken Pasta in a skillet garnished with basil

    Excellent for weeknight meals and can be prepared ahead of time⌚️

    This all in one recipe saves so much time. You don't have to cook the pasta separately. The pasta cooks in the skillet along with tomato paste🥫and chicken broth.

    Finally, just stir in heavy cream and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

    We commonly associate Cajun Chicken Pasta with Chili's or Cheesecake Factory's. One of the most common places to chill out on a Friday night, Cajun Chicken Pasta has all that that you need to make your weekend special.

    Typically, you'll find people making this recipe with Penne Pasta. But, I figured that it's totally up to you. Penne is easily available at our homes most of the times and it holds the flavors too.

    But, I think my favorite is Bow Tie, shells, and rigatoni. In this recipe, I've used shells. You could also make this fettuccine in the form of 20-Minute Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

    I think you might also like these similar cajun recipes😋

    • Cajun Butter Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Rice
    • Creamy Cajun Chicken (BAKED)
    • Extra Crispy Cajun Dry Rub Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
    close up of Cajun Chicken Pasta garnished with fresh basil and parsley
    Jump to:
    • 👀What is Cajun Chicken Pasta
    • 📝Ingredients
    • 🍽How to make Cajun Chicken Pasta?
    • 🧆Cooking Variations
    • 🥦What goes with Cajun Chicken Pasta
    • ☃️Can you Freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta
    • 🔥Can you reheat Cajun Chicken Pasta?
    • 💁Can I use Philadelphia Cream Cheese?
    • 🥛Can I Skip Heavy Cream?
    • 🥘Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
    • 🍲Can I make this in the Crock Pot?
    • 🌱Tell me some proteins substitute for this recipe
    • 🔖Recipe
    • The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta

    👀What is Cajun Chicken Pasta

    As the name suggests, Cajun Chicken Pasta is your regular pasta with cajun seasoning and chicken. It's so easy and making it in the skillet 🍳 makes your job so much easier 😌

    📝Ingredients

    ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta on a table labelled
    • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Chicken Thighs)
    • Cajun Seasoning
    • Olive Oil and Butter
    • garlic cloves (minced)
    • pasta of your choice
    • tomato paste
    • chicken broth
    • heavy cream
    • freshly chopped parsley

    see the recipe card below for quantities

    🍽How to make Cajun Chicken Pasta?

    • Coat Chicken in Cajun Seasoning

    Place chicken in a large resealable bag and coat it with cajun seasoning.

    TIP: You can add a tablespoon of Olive Oil to help the seasoning stick to the chicken.

    • Cook Chicken

    Cook Chicken in a skillet with some olive oil. Cook both sides for 3-4 minutes until chicken cooks completely. Once done, keep it aside.

    • Make Sauce

    In the same pan, add unsalted butter and freshly minced cloves of garlic. Once garlic becomes aromatic add cajun seasoning. Cook the spice on low for a minute until fragrant.

    • Add uncooked Pasta and cook until al dente

    Now add a pasta of your choice, tomato paste, and low sodium chicken broth. Give it a quick stir and then cook on low until the pasta gets al dente.

    • Stir in Heavy Cream

    Finally, stir in Heavy Cream and cooked chicken in the pasta.

    • Garnish and Serve

    Finally, garnish and serve with freshly chopped parsley 🌿or green onions.

    Cajun Chicken Pasta in a skillet with a spoon

    🧆Cooking Variations

    • Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Chicken thighs are so much juicier than chicken breasts. Skip chicken breasts and use chicken thighs instead.
    • Onions - I have skipped onions because I didn't really feel that this recipe would need onions. You can add finely chopped or diced white or yellow onions while sautéing garlic if you want.🧅
    • Parmesan Cheese - For that extra kick you can add some freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
    • Roma Tomatoes - You can also skip tomato paste and serve it with chopped Roma tomatoes instead.🍅
    • Cream Cheese - Make sure you use cream cheese that has been cut into small blocks. This will make it easier for you to combine.
    • Go Easy on Cayenne - If you are making this for kids, then my tip would be to chill out with cayenne🌶
    • Grated Gruyére Cheese - Grated Gruyére Cheese makes this Cajun Chicken Pasta sweet and cheesy🧀
    • Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest - to bring that zesty lemon-y fragrance you can grate some lemon zest or you can squeeze in some lemon juice while making this pasta🍋

    Not Interested in this recipe😑? You might find these chicken pasta recipes interesting🤔

    • Bruschetta Chicken Pasta - Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
    • Chicken Enchilada Pasta
    • Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

    🥦What goes with Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Cajun Chicken Pasta is spicy. Therefore, I would suggest you pair it with steamed broccoli or crispy air fried broccoli. You can also use broccolini.

    If not that, then I suggest you serve your pasta with cheesy garlic bread. Seriously one cannot go wring with garlic bread!

    In case you want to use Zucchini then you can serve your pasta with these crispy Zucchini Carrots Tater Tots

    And, that is not all. You can serve your pasta with Baked Eggplant Curry or Crispy Eggplant Fries in Air Fryer.

    Just like Eggplant Fries you can also serve it with Southern Fried Okra in Air Fryer or Crispy Fried Green Beans in Air-Fryer

    ☃️Can you Freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months provided you store it appropriately.

    So, the best way to do that is allow your pasta to cool down completely. Then transfer it to a large resealable bag.

    Wrap it all over again with an aluminum foil or cling wrap.

    Freeze for up to 2 months.

    🔥Can you reheat Cajun Chicken Pasta?

    Yes, you can definitely reheat your pasta.

    Make sure you thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until completely warmed through.

    💁Can I use Philadelphia Cream Cheese?

    Of course. There is nothing better than Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Cream Cheese will add a tasty tangy texture to your recipe.

    The creamy texture of Cream Cheese will complement the spicy cajun seasoning and you will have a smooth, cheesy, comforting Cajun Chicken Pasta.

    🥛Can I Skip Heavy Cream?

    Well, you can definitely skip Heavy Cream. But, I personally, wouldn't recommend you to do that.

    I think heavy cream is important to add that creamy subtle sweetness to this spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

    Cajun Recipes are always spicy. Therefore I certainly add heavy cream while making cajun recipes.

    Of course, if you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk.

    🥘Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

    Yup! Why Not? I love Pasta in Instant Pot. You should see my Instant Pot Chicken Parm Pasta recipe where I have cooked it all in my Instant Pot. Super good and certainly sounds like something that you should try.

    🍲Can I make this in the Crock Pot?

    Of course you can. But, the major question that everyone asks about cooking pasta in crock pot is - what is my pasta turns soggy?

    Well, the trick to a non-soggy pasta cooked in a crock pot is to first cook your chicken along with the Cajun spices in your crockpot for about 2 to 3 hours on high or four hours on low then add the uncooked pasta. Cover it with a lid and within 15 minutes your pasta will be completely cooked.

    🌱Tell me some proteins substitute for this recipe

    • You can choose lean ground beef or smoked sausages instead of chicken.
    • You can also add the holy trinity of cajun cuisines - onions, bell pepper, and celery.
    • You can skip chicken and use turkey. I think leftover Thanksgiving Turkey would be of an excellent use here.
    • If you're looking for some vegan alternatives to chicken then you can use tofu or tempeh or lentils or mushrooms to make this recipe.

    More Cajun Recipes to Try:

    • Salmon Pasta in Creamy Cajun Sauce
    • Cajun Shrimp and Rice
    • Easiest Cajun Shrimp Pasta

    🔖Recipe

    Cajun Chicken Pasta in a skillet garnished with basil

    The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Simple Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that is loaded with flavor and has just the right amount of spice. Serve with steamed broccoli for an impressive, family-pleasing dinner.
    4 servings
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Keyword cajun chicken pasta
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    no resting time 0 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Servings 4 servings
    Author Anjali
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    Ingredients

    • 2-3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 1 pound of chicken
    • 2½ Tablespoon Homemade Cajun Seasoning divided
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 1 stick unsalted butter
    • 3 cloves garlic freshly minced
    • 8 ounces pasta of your choice I have used shells you can use your favorite pasta
    • 8 oz (can) tomato paste
    • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 Tablespoons freshly chopped parsley and basil for garnish
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    Instructions

    • Add chicken and 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large resealable bag. Add 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning. Seal the top and shake until chicken is evenly coated on both sides.
    • Heat olive oil in a pan and add chicken into the skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until the chicken gets cooked completely. Check with an Instant read thermometer and cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, take it off the pan and set aside.
    • In the same pan, add butter and freshly minced cloves of garlic. Sauté until garlic turns fragrant.
    • Add the remaining 1½ Tablespoons of Cajun Seasoning and cook the spices for 1-2 minute over low heat.
    • Add uncooked pasta into the skillet and add the tomato paste. Pour chicken broth or water over uncooked pasta and cook for 5-minutes or until the pasta gets al-dente but not soggy.
    • Once pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken (thinly sliced or cut into chunks) garnish with freshly chopped parsley and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

    Video

    Notes

    NOTE: I have not added extra salt since cajun seasoning has enough salt in it. But, please taste before serving. If you find it lacks salt, you can adjust it accordingly.
    COOKING VARIATIONS:
    • Boneless skinless chicken thighs - Chicken thighs are so much juicier than chicken breasts. Skip chicken breasts and use chicken thighs instead.
    • Onions - I have skipped onions because I didn't really feel that this recipe would need onions. You can add finely chopped or diced white or yellow onions while sautéing garlic if you want.🧅
    • Parmesan Cheese - For that extra kick you can add some freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
    • Roma Tomatoes - You can also skip tomato paste and serve it with chopped Roma tomatoes instead.🍅
    • Cream Cheese - Make sure you use cream cheese that has been cut into small blocks. This will make it easier for you to combine.
    • Go Easy on Cayenne - If you are making this for kids, then my tip would be to chill out with cayenne🌶
    • Grated Gruyére Cheese - Grated Gruyére Cheese makes this Cajun Chicken Pasta sweet and cheesy🧀
    • Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest - to bring that zesty lemon-y fragrance you can grate some lemon zest or you can squeeze in some lemon juice while making this pasta🍋

    Nutrition

    Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 688mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2446IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg
    Nutrition Facts
    The Simplest Recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 530 Calories from Fat 477
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 53g82%
    Saturated Fat 29g181%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
    Monounsaturated Fat 18g
    Cholesterol 143mg48%
    Sodium 492mg21%
    Potassium 688mg20%
    Carbohydrates 14g5%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 5g10%
    Vitamin A 2446IU49%
    Vitamin C 13mg16%
    Calcium 72mg7%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    About Anjali

    Hi, I'm Anjali - Thank you for stopping by at Recipemagik.com. I hope you enjoyed your time reading through some of my contents. the voice and the thought behind this website. A mother of twins looking to make life pretty through little things. Stay connected.

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