Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta when I want a flavorful, comforting meal that’s rich, spicy, and loaded with cheesy garlic goodness. Tender chicken tossed with pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce is one of my go-to dishes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe balances bold Cajun spices with a silky, cheesy sauce. The garlic butter Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta perfectly, and the juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken adds just the right amount of kick. It’s creamy, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cajun seasoning
• penne or fettuccine pasta
• butter
• garlic, minced
• heavy cream
• grated Parmesan cheese
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

directions

I start by seasoning the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. I heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove it and set aside. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. I add heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer before stirring in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Meanwhile, I cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain it. I toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep and cooking take roughly 30–35 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. Using smoked paprika alongside Cajun seasoning adds a smoky depth. I’ve also swapped penne for fettuccine or linguine depending on what I have on hand.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded or diced cooked chicken works well; just warm it in the sauce.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?

It varies by brand, but I like it medium-spicy. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut cream and vegan cheese.

What’s the best pasta to use?

I prefer penne or fettuccine because they hold the sauce nicely, but any pasta shape works.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I don’t recommend freezing pasta with cream sauces as texture may change, but you can freeze the chicken separately.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is one of my favorite quick meals that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The combination of spicy chicken and rich, cheesy sauce makes it a comforting dish I crave often.

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