Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked); 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices); 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz cream cheese; 3 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors and rich creaminess all in one pot, you’re going to love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together with minimal fuss — perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting yet exciting. I’m excited to share all my tips so you nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
Balanced Boldness: The Cajun spice blend adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Creamy Texture: Cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, giving a velvety finish that clings to every piece of pasta.
Customizable: Easily tailored with different veggies or protein swaps to suit your taste.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, one-pot Cajun pasta, spicy chicken Alfredo - A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with creamy pasta made with short tube-shaped noodles, chopped light brown cooked chicken pieces, and a rich tan-colored sauce. Mixed in are small bits of red tomatoes and sprinkled chopped green onions on top to add bright green color contrast. A light wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered by the pasta. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth beneath the handle. The dish looks warm and inviting with a mix of soft textures and fresh garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here starts with a simple homemade Cajun seasoning that gives this dish incredible depth. Combined with tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a creamy sauce base, these ingredients hit all the right notes. Pro tip: choose quality chicken breasts and fresh green onions to really elevate the dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, one-pot Cajun pasta, spicy chicken Alfredo - Flat lay of smoked paprika powder in a small white bowl, fresh oregano sprigs, fresh thyme sprigs, garlic powder in a small white bowl, onion powder in a small white bowl, cayenne pepper powder in a small white bowl, black peppercorns in a small white bowl, coarse salt in a small white bowl, a small pool of golden olive oil in a white bowl, a pat of creamy butter on a white ceramic plate, raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a whole yellow onion, uncooked penne pasta scattered, a small white bowl filled with fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with clear chicken broth, chunks of cream cheese on a white plate, three fresh green onions whole and uncut, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky warmth that’s essential for an authentic Cajun flavor.
Oregano & Thyme: These herbs bring earthy undertones balancing the spice nicely.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Perfect for subtle aromatic depth without overpowering fresh ingredients.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat — adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, cooks quickly, and soaks up spices beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Gives sweetness and helps build flavor layers during sautéing.
Penne Pasta: Holds sauce well thanks to its ridged shape.
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a hint of charred sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Provides savory depth and moisture for cooking the pasta.
Cream Cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, creating a luscious sauce.
Green Onions: Fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and mild bite.
Olive Oil & Butter: The fat combo for cooking chicken and onions with richness and flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or need to accommodate dietary needs, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Variation: I like swapping chicken for shrimp sometimes — it only takes a few minutes to cook and pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Vegetarian Twist: Use hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes and veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Heat Factor: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce if you like more kick — I usually add just a pinch more for a mild zing.
Cheese Swap: Cream cheese is my go-to for creaminess, but heavy cream with a little Parmesan works too if you prefer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

First, mix up your Cajun seasoning blend — I always keep a little extra on hand for quick seasoning in other dishes. Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it in the spice mix until every piece is deliciously coated. This step is key to infusing your chicken with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat the olive oil and butter in a deep skillet until it’s sizzling hot and the butter is foamy. Add the chicken quickly to get a nice sear on the outside, about 2 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking it through here — you’re just building flavor with that golden crust. This is one of those small steps that really levels up the dish.

Step 3: Build the Base

Throw in the diced onion and sauté for a couple more minutes until it starts to soften. The onion’s moisture helps lift all those buttery brown bits off the pan, which is pure flavor gold. This little trick means your sauce ends up tasting rich and layered.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir and pop the lid on. When the broth comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help it cook evenly. This step is all about letting the pasta soak up those smoky, spicy flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Toss in the cream cheese in chunks and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce. The magic here is the transformation from broth and tomatoes to a silky, creamy pasta coating that’s just irresistible. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crisp bite and you’re ready to dig in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Timing Matters: Don’t overcook the chicken at the searing step; it will continue cooking with the pasta and stay juicy.
Keep it Stirred: I learned the hard way that stirring every few minutes during simmering keeps pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Adjust Simmering Heat: Depending on your stove and pan, adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer — too high and it evaporates too fast, too low and pasta won’t cook through properly.
Cream Cheese Texture: Cut it into small chunks first and stir well to avoid lumps and get that perfect creamy sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipes, one-pot Cajun pasta, spicy chicken Alfredo - A white plate holds a tasty mix of penne pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce. The pasta is joined by small pieces of cooked chicken and bits of tomato, all mixed together. Bright green chopped green onions are sprinkled over the top to add color. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially digging into the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with fresh sliced green onions — they add crunch and a little sharpness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I toss on a few parsley leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra flavor pop.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread isn’t a bad idea either if you want something extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with a wedge of lemon and fresh herbs for color. You can also serve it family-style right in the skillet — it’s rustic and inviting! Bright, colorful plates also make the dish pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but keep in mind the pasta will soak up the sauce and thicken, so you’ll want to loosen it a bit when reheating.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this creamy pasta (cream cheese can change texture after freezing), if you want to, freeze portions in airtight containers without the green onions and reheat gently. Add fresh green onions after thawing for freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne works great because its shape holds the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on pasta size and shape.
Is there a dairy-free version of this creamy pasta?

Yes! You can swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or use coconut milk for creaminess. Just be mindful that flavor and texture may vary slightly, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to balance it out.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?

The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted easily by tweaking the cayenne pepper quantity. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne and add more later if you want a bit more kick.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop the chicken and mix the seasoning a day ahead to save time. However, I recommend cooking the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy. If needed, partially prepare but keep cooking steps separate until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a go-to in my house for when I want a quick, comforting meal that feels special. It’s full of flavor, easy to customize, and satisfying in every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — once you try it, I bet it’ll be on repeat for you, too!