This cajun chicken pasta recipe is packed with spicy flavor, tender noodles, chicken, onion, and roasted bell pepper in a bed of creamy sauce all cooked together in one pot.
Why this recipe works
A homemade blend of cajun seasoning packs incredible flavor into this cajun chicken pasta dish, and it’s so easy to make! There’s no boiling the noodles separately, it’s all made in one pot on the stovetop saving you the headache of timing the noodles, chicken, and sauce perfectly.
If you’re a fan of spice, cajun food is definitely going to be up your alley. A good cajun blend relies on cayenne pepper for spiciness and goes well in a variety of dishes from seafood, cajun chicken salads, and pasta alike.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CHICKEN – Chicken breast is most commonly used to top pasta, but you can certainly add or substitute with shrimp, sausage, or a protein of your choice. Alternatively, you can omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian friendly pasta dish.
SEASONINGS – This is a spicy dish. For less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half. All the seasonings listed in the recipe card are our spin on your typical cajun seasoning, but if you prefer, you can simply use store-bought cajun seasoning, about 1 – 1 1/2 Tbsp should do the trick.
CREAM CHEESE – Cream cheese should be at room temperature so that it melts quickly from the heat in the skillet. If you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can substitute with a splash of heavy cream.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and all of the paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, and black pepper. Rub oil and spice mixture into chicken pieces.
- Add remaining olive oil to skillet over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering. Add chicken to hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes. Add onion and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink about 2-3 minutes more.
- Add roasted red bell pepper.
- Add penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese. Stir occasionally until cream cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftover cajun chicken pasta in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
We prefer penne pasta but you can use rotini, spaghetti, rigatoni, bow tie, or basically any noodle shape you’d like.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cajun chicken pasta with chunks of bread for dipping or warm garlic bread. Pasta also pairs well with a fresh side salad. Generously garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley.
More Pasta Recipes
- Shrimp Pasta
- Pasta Carbonara
- Mushroom Ravioli
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
- Stuffed Shells
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Scallop Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 ⅕ pounds chicken breasts boneless skinless, about 2 large breasts
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon oregano
- ½ Tablespoon garlic salt
- ½ Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup onion yellow or white, chopped
- 12 ounces roasted red bell pepper 1 jar, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ½ ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- shredded parmesan cheese for garnish
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Things You’ll Need
- Large heavy bottomed skillet with lid
Before You Begin
- Do not cook the pasta ahead of time. You will add uncooked noodles to the dish and they will cook with the other ingredients, which will allow the flavors to absorb into the noodles.
- Cream cheese should be at room temperature so that it melts quickly from the heat in the skillet. If you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can substitute with a splash of heavy cream.
- This is a spicy dish. For less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half.
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and all of the paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, and black pepper. Rub oil and spice mixture into chicken pieces.
- Add remaining olive oil to skillet over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering. Add chicken to hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes. Add onion and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink about 2-3 minutes more.
- Add roasted red bell pepper.
- Add penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure pasta cooks evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese. Stir occasionally until cream cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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Stephanie Hicks says
How would you make it without the chicken, please? I still want the spices, so how would you incorporate in without rubbing into chicken? Thank you!
Kay says
Really good flavor, but REALLY spicy, even with half the cayenne. Be prepared to clear your sinuses with this one. I’ll definitely make again, but will reduce the cayenne to 1 tsp, like another poster did.
Sharon Whisnand says
This is a delicious recipe. I reduced the tablespoon of cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon and it was spiced enough. I think the smoked paprika really gives it flavor. We served it to friends and we all agreed it is what we refer to as “a keeper”.
Maryh says
Great recipe! Loved the one pot no pre-boiling pasta too. Added sauteed shrimp and a little smoked sausage at the end. A definite keeper. Thank you!