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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Olive oil, salt, and pepper When I make Cajun Chicken Pasta, I focus on fresh ingredients. The chicken should be boneless and skinless for quick cooking. Fettuccine pasta is my go-to because it pairs well with creamy sauces. Heavy cream adds richness, making every bite satisfying. The Cajun seasoning is key. It gives the dish its bold and spicy flavor. I love using a bright bell pepper for color and crunch. A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Next, garlic and cherry tomatoes bring a burst of flavor. I always use fresh garlic because it enhances the taste. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely creaminess and salty finish. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are simple but important. They help bring all the ingredients together. This combination makes for a hearty and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the fettuccine, first, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring that water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will give you pasta that is al dente, or firm to the bite. Once done, save half a cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Take the sliced chicken breasts and put them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Toss it well to coat every piece evenly. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sauté it for 5 to 7 minutes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to start softening. Now, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes. This brings out a nice aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Check the sauce for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Now, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in that creamy sauce. For serving, dish out the pasta into bowls. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top. This gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty Cajun chicken pasta! To cook fettuccine just right, use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Once the water boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Check for al dente texture at the end of the time. The pasta should be firm, not mushy. If you bite into it, it should have a slight chew. Remember to save some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken your sauce later. You can boost the Cajun flavor with a few extras. Try adding smoked paprika for a deeper taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives it more heat. If you like herbs, add thyme or oregano. Marinating the chicken for an hour in Cajun seasoning and olive oil makes a big difference. This quick step adds flavor throughout the meat. Getting the sauce just right is key. If you find it too thick, add reserved pasta water slowly. Stir and check the thickness as you go. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer. The cream needs time to thicken. For a richer flavor, consider adding more Parmesan cheese. This also helps with thickness and gives a nice taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the dish's flavor and presentation. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Adjust Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more as desired. You can always add spice, but it's hard to take it away! Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the fettuccine until just al dente ensures it holds up well when tossed with the creamy sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor contrast. Don't skip this step for a beautifully presented dish! {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Shrimp adds a nice twist. It cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors well. Sausage is another great choice. It gives a hearty taste to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options work well with Cajun seasoning. Just make sure to sauté them until golden. Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can try other pastas too. Penne or rigatoni holds the sauce nicely. Spaghetti is great if you want something lighter. Even gluten-free pasta works well in this dish. Just cook it according to package directions to ensure a perfect texture. Want to kick up the heat? Add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers. They bring a fresh flavor and extra spice. You can also use hot sauce for a quick boost. Just stir it in with the cream. For a smoky touch, try adding chipotle in adobo sauce. It adds depth and richness to the dish. To keep your Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the dish from drying out. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. The pasta stays good in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the stove. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta, first, let it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best flavor. Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish that combines pasta with spiced chicken. It features fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich sauce made from heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and fresh veggies. The dish is colorful and packed with flavor, thanks to the chicken, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Yes, you can make Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in an airtight container too. When you’re ready to eat, heat the sauce and combine it with the chicken and pasta. This method keeps everything fresh and tasty. To make Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free fettuccine pasta. Check the Cajun seasoning for gluten, as some brands add it. Most fresh veggies are gluten-free, so feel free to add your favorites. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. In this blog, we explored how to make Cajun Chicken Pasta. We discussed the main ingredients, like chicken, fettuccine, and Cajun spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining your meal. We also covered tips for perfect pasta and variations for different diets. Enjoy this dish as a flavorful meal any night. You can customize it to fit your taste. Cooking Cajun Chicken Pasta can be fun and rewarding!

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A flavorful and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced chicken and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until well-coated.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  • Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together so that the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
  • Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, spicy