Creamy cajun chicken pasta is a one skillet dinner of spiced chicken, penne, and fire roasted tomatoes in a silky cream cheese sauce with a warm Cajun kick.
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it takes about thirty minutes and leaves only one pan to wash.
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Why This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Works
A homemade Cajun blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne coats the chicken, so you control the heat and the salt.
Cooking the pasta directly in the broth releases starch that thickens the sauce and gives each noodle a deep, savory flavor.
Cream cheese and a little heavy cream melt into a smooth sauce that mellows the spice and clings to the penne.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- You need chicken breast, penne, fire roasted diced tomatoes, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Cut the chicken into bite size pieces about three quarters of an inch wide so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Chicken breast. Small pieces cook fast and take on the spice blend in every bite.
Penne. Its hollow tubes catch the sauce and hold their shape while simmering in broth.
Fire roasted tomatoes. They add a slightly charred sweetness that pairs well with smoked paprika.
Cream cheese and cream. Together they create a rich, tangy sauce that softens the cayenne.
Cajun spices. Paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne build the layered heat that defines the dish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
1. Mix the seasoning. Stir the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
2. Season the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice blend until evenly coated.
3. Brown the chicken. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken for five to seven minutes until browned and cooked through, then move it to a plate.
4. Simmer the pasta. Add the tomatoes and broth to the skillet, bring to a simmer, stir in the penne, and cook for ten to twelve minutes, stirring often, until tender.
5. Make it creamy. Lower the heat, stir in the cream cheese and cream until smooth, and return the chicken to the pan.
6. Finish. Simmer for two more minutes until the sauce coats the pasta, then top with parsley.
Stir the pasta often as it simmers, because the starch can stick to the bottom of the skillet before the broth is absorbed.
If the sauce looks too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth, and if it looks thin, let it simmer uncovered for another minute or two.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve the pasta hot with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you like. roasted green beans with garlic and lemon almond green beans add freshness, while air fryer garlic bread slices and rosemary olive oil focaccia are good for scooping up the sauce. You might also enjoy creamy chicken tuscan pasta. Another one to try: cajun shrimp and chicken pasta.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth over low heat, stirring until the sauce loosens, because the pasta keeps absorbing liquid as it sits. Freezing is not recommended since cream cheese sauces can turn grainy.
Tips and Variations for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Flag the allergens. This dish contains wheat, milk, and cream cheese, so warn guests with allergies and check the spice and broth labels.
Check the chicken. Chicken is safe at 165 degrees F, so cut a large piece open or use a thermometer to confirm.
Do not rinse raw chicken. Rinsing spreads bacteria, so skip it and wash your hands, cutting board, and tools with hot soapy water afterward.
Control the heat. Start with half the cayenne and add more at the end, because the heat builds as the sauce reduces.
Soften the cream cheese. Room temperature cream cheese melts faster and avoids lumps.
Add vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or sliced andouille style sausage fit the flavors, and adjust the salt to taste.
Use a deep skillet. A wide pan with high sides gives the pasta room to cook evenly in the broth.
Check trusted guidance. For safe handling of poultry and leftovers, read the FDA safe food handling guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
What is creamy cajun chicken pasta?
It is a skillet pasta with Cajun spiced chicken, tomatoes, and a cream cheese sauce.
Is creamy cajun chicken pasta very spicy?
It has a medium heat, and you can reduce the cayenne for a milder dish or add more for extra kick.
Can I make creamy cajun chicken pasta without cream cheese?
Yes, use extra heavy cream and a little Parmesan, though the sauce will be less tangy.
Can I use another pasta?
Yes, rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle work, though cooking times vary.
Can I use shrimp?
Yes, cook the shrimp for two to three minutes until pink and add them at the end.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes fourteen and a half ounce can
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Season. Mix 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and coat 1 pound chicken.
- Brown. Cook the chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until done, then set aside.
- Simmer. Add one 14 1/2 ounce can tomatoes, 2 cups broth, and 8 ounces penne and cook until tender.
- Cream. Stir in 4 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 cup cream.
- Combine. Return the chicken and simmer 2 minutes.
- Serve. Top with 2 tablespoons parsley.
