Introduction

Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is both quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
400g chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
2 tbsp Cajun-style seasoning
400g can chopped tomatoes or passata
1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
500g penne or another tube-shaped pasta
150ml double cream
20g parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve
½ lemon, juiced
Chopped parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, season lightly, and fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden all over but not necessarily cooked through.
Step 2: Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes more. Then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes, a quarter of the tomato can filled with water, and the crumbled chicken stock cube. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta for one minute less than the package instructions state.
Step 5: Stir the double cream into the chicken mixture and continue to simmer gently.
Step 6: Drain the pasta well, then add it to the chicken sauce. Cook together over low heat for 2 minutes to let the pasta absorb some sauce.
Step 7: Stir in the grated parmesan and lemon juice, cooking for another minute.
Step 8: Serve the pasta straight from the pan or transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms can increase the vegetable content and add texture.
Freshly grated parmesan enhances flavor more than pre-grated varieties.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate level of heat with a mix of spices. You can adjust the amount used to suit your taste or use a mild seasoning if preferred.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic and Cajun seasoning, simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, then tossed with penne pasta and finished with parmesan and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with a spicy twist.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
400g chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated
2 tbsp Cajun-style seasoning
400g can chopped tomatoes or passata
1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
150ml double cream
20g parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve
½ lemon, juiced

Pasta and Garnish

500g penne or another tube-shaped pasta
chopped parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly, and fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is just golden all over but not necessarily cooked through.
Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then sprinkle the Cajun-style seasoning over the chicken and stir well to evenly coat the pieces.
Simmer with tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes or passata, a quarter of a can of water, and the crumbled chicken stock cube to the pan. Stir to mix, bring to a simmer, and cook gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne for one minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain well when nearly done.
Finish the sauce and combine: Stir the double cream into the chicken and tomato mixture and continue to simmer gently. Add the drained pasta into the pan with the sauce. Let it cook together over low heat for 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb flavors.
Add finishing touches: Stir in the grated parmesan and lemon juice, cooking for a further 1 minute to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Serve: Serve the pasta straight from the pan or transfer to a large serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired for a fresh and cheesy finish.

Notes

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder version.
For a richer sauce, add more double cream or a splash of white wine.
Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish gluten-free.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe