Craving a bold, flavorful dinner that’s ready in no time? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is here to save the day! With tender chicken strips, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, spicy sauce, this dish is a Southern-inspired masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just love creamy pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
What You’ll Need:
- 4 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 green onion, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp lemon pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
After, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Then, add the green and red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat through.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the cooked linguine with the sauce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately!
The Best Time to Savor Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is perfect for those nights when you want a little spice and a lot of comfort. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies create a symphony of flavors that’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it with a side of Italian bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, or pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
For a cozy dinner idea, try pairing it with a glass of Golden Milk to balance the spice. This dish is also a great addition to your comfort food recipe collection!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine them when ready to serve. Store the components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream. However, heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. For a milder version, reduce the amount of seasoning or choose a low-heat blend.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
2
Category
Comfort food
Spice up your dinner table with this bold and creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! Packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this Southern-inspired dish is perfect for when you’re feeling adventurous. Serve it with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Ingredient
- 4 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 green onion, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp lemon pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Next, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning in a bowl until evenly coated.
- After, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Then, add the green and red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat through.
- Finally, toss the cooked linguine with the sauce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 1109
- Fat: 82g
- Carbs: 54g
- Protein: 43g
Pro Tips
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’s perfect for spice lovers!
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Want to take your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. For spice lovers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Avoid canned or frozen veggies for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the linguine until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
- Garnish Generously: Top your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to keep it tasting fresh:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the pasta.
- Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a day or two.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Looking for the perfect sides or drinks to complement your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta? Here are some delicious pairings to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Golden Milk: Pair with a soothing glass of Golden Milk to balance the spice and add a touch of warmth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Dessert: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake or Pistachio Torte.
We hope you enjoyed making and savoring this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta as much as we did! This dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress.
Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or variations in the comments below. Did you add extra veggies or adjust the spice level? Let us know how it turned out!
For more delicious dinner ideas, check out our Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake or our Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss our Pumpkin Bread Pudding or Cottage Cheese Blueberry Breakfast Cake.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! Tag us on social media using #CreamyCajunPasta and let us know how it turned out. For more exclusive recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter below. Happy cooking!
Emma,
The Recipe Team