Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

 

Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is such a simple and quick recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy chicken breast tossed with tender pasta in a creamy Cajun garlic sauce.

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Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

We love recreating our favorite recipes and this copycat recipe for Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta is going to become a family favorite!

Creamy pasta with pieces of tender and juicy Cajun-flavored chicken in the most delicious homemade Cajun sauce. You will love all the flavors from the dish, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. I’m excited to add this to our long lineup of 30-minute meals.

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All you need is a slice of Focaccia Bread to soak up the creamy sauce, plus a simple Caesar Salad for a memorable pasta night.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Pasta – For this recipe, we used linguine pasta but you can use any type of pasta: angel hair, linguine, fettuccine, elbow, macaroni, penne, and bow tie pasta will all work great. Homemade Pasta is particularly delicious.
• Chicken – We used chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will work as well.
• Cajun Seasoning– You can use your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning. You’ll also need salt and pepper.
• Garlic– Freshly minced or finely chopped garlic will give the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 tsp dried garlic, or add it to taste.
• Butter – for sautéing garlic and adds flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
• Parmesan – Grated parmesan cheese or shredded parmesan will work great.

Pro Tip: You can adjust the spiciness in the pasta by adding more or less of the Cajun seasoning.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Cook Pasta – Boil in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions.
2. Prepare Chicken – Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a saucepan, pound the chicken breasts into an even thickness and season both sides with cajun seasoning. Sauté the chicken in a skillet with oil until fully cooked, then slice into strips.
3. Make the Sauce – In a deep skillet, sauté the garlic in butter for 30-60 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, and bring to a simmer.
4. Combine – Add the pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce and toss to combine.
5. Serve – Top with parmesan and parsley to serve.

Pasta Variations and Add-Ins

• Vegetables – you can add cooked broccoli or asparagus to the pasta when tossing everything together.
• Vegetarian pasta – leave out the chicken or substitute chicken with mushrooms.
• Substitute the chicken – try sliced andouille, smoked sausage, kielbasa, Homemade Sausage, or try my Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Storage and Reheating

Cajun Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh while the sauce is creamy, but leftovers still reheat well.

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to thin the sauce.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing cream-based pastas since they can separate after thawing.

This restaurant copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is sure to please. If you love comforting pasta dishes, check out the list below for more dinner inspiration.