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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken

Featured in Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion.

Get big flavor fast with this creamy Cajun chicken pasta. It’s a 30-minute dish where chicken and pasta cook together in a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for busy days but fancy enough for guests!

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 11 Apr 2025 01:36:35 GMT
A rich, spicy pasta with chicken and parsley on top. Pin it
A rich, spicy pasta with chicken and parsley on top. | cookwithcarla.com

20 Minute Velvety Cajun Chicken Pasta

This single-pot knockout has saved my busy evenings countless times. Everyone rushes to eat when they smell the juicy chicken chunks and pasta bathed in that spicy cream mixture. The biggest win? Everything cooks together, so there's barely any washing up afterward. My crew thinks I've slaved away for this fancy-looking meal when it's actually thrown together in under half an hour. The magic happens when those bold Cajun seasonings mingle with the creamy sauce as the pasta bubbles away.

My Ultimate Comfort Dish

I stumbled on this dish during a hectic period when quick but tasty meals were a must. It's now turned into our top pick when we need something warm and satisfying. The way the pasta drinks up all those zesty Cajun flavors while simmering in the sauce is just fantastic. There's some kind of kitchen alchemy happening when all the ingredients bubble together in that single pot, creating the silkiest, most tasty sauce you can imagine.

A tight shot showing creamy pasta mixed with chicken pieces, tomato chunks, and fresh parsley scattered across the top. Pin it
A tight shot showing creamy pasta mixed with chicken pieces, tomato chunks, and fresh parsley scattered across the top. | cookwithcarla.com

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: Pick up some skinless boneless thighs or breasts and chop them into small chunks
  • Penne Pasta: Its texture helps grab onto the delicious sauce
  • Cajun Spices: My unique blend of thyme paprika oregano black pepper cayenne onion powder and garlic powder
  • Fire Roasted Tomatoes: They pack so much extra flavor but standard diced ones work fine too
  • Chicken Broth: Gives everything a tastier base than water would
  • Cream Cheese: The secret to that incredibly rich sauce
  • Yellow Onion: Brings just the right touch of sweetness
  • Olive Oil and Butter: Used for cooking and adding extra flavor
  • Green Onions: A fresh topping that makes the dish look amazing

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is this pasta very spicy?

Using 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne makes it lightly spicy. Add more if you love heat or cut it back for a milder dish. Adjust to your liking!

→ Can I try other pasta shapes?

Sure! Rotini, fusilli, or ziti all work great. Keep the cooking time similar, and make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta as it cooks.

→ What can I swap for cream cheese?

Heavy cream or half-and-half works fine. For a lighter touch, mix in Greek yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling.

→ Can it be made ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh since the pasta soaks up sauce over time. If making early, stir in a little cream or broth when you reheat it.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently with a bit of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.

Creamy Cajun Chicken

This one-pan favorite mixes tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce with Cajun spices. Done in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1 tablespoon butter.
03 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast.
04 1 yellow onion, diced.
05 1/2 pound penne pasta.
06 1 can (15 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes.
07 2 cups chicken broth.
08 2 ounces cream cheese.
09 3 green onions, sliced.
10 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.
11 1 teaspoon thyme.
12 1 teaspoon oregano.
13 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
14 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
15 1/4 teaspoon salt.
16 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
17 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine all the Cajun spices in a bowl and stir well.

Step 02

Cut chicken pieces into chunks, then coat them generously in the spice mix.

Step 03

Melt butter with oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 04

Cook the chicken cubes on each side until golden brown.

Step 05

Toss diced onion into the pan, cooking for around 2 minutes until soft.

Step 06

Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes (with their juices), and throw in the pasta.

Step 07

Let everything come to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook gently for 10 minutes.

Step 08

Give it a stir now and then, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick, and cook until tender.

Step 09

Once pasta is done, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and mixed.

Step 10

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and dig in.

Notes

  1. A deep pan works best for this dish.
  2. Stir the pot often so your pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with a lid for simmering.
  • Small bowl for mixing seasoning.
  • Cutting board for prepping ingredients.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (includes butter, cream cheese).
  • Gluten (due to pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 35 g