Print

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a flavor-packed comfort food that blends the spicy charm of Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luxurious, silky parmesan garlic sauce. Served over tender pasta, it delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cajun Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced lengthwise or pounded evenly)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (adds richness and aids browning)

For the Pasta:

  • 10–12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
  • Salted water (for boiling the pasta)

For the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (the base of the flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (melts into a silky texture)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and warmth)
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and blackened on the edges. Remove chicken from skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water. Set both aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to make a light roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Add paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add Parmesan and Combine: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese gradually until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  5. Top with Sliced Chicken: Arrange the sliced Cajun chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Homemade Cajun Seasoning Option: Mix 1 tsp each of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, ½ tsp each of thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Adjust heat to your liking.
  • Chicken Swap: You can substitute with shrimp or sliced sausage for a different take. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms pair beautifully with the bold flavors and add nutritional value.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Overcooking the Chicken causes dryness — aim for internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese to ensure smooth melting.
  • Save reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3–4 days; reheat gently adding milk or pasta water to maintain creaminess.
  • Freezing not recommended as cream-based sauce may separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy parmesan garlic sauce, spicy chicken pasta, Southern comfort food, easy chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-in-creamy-parmesan-garlic-sauce-recipe/