This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich sauce that clings to every bow tie noodle. It's the kind of cozy dish I love to pull together on busy nights when I still want something that feels special.
It reminds me of the pasta dinners I used to make for my boys when they were teenagers. Easy, filling, and full of flavor. If you love recipes like my Shrimp Fra Diavolo, you're going to enjoy this one just as much. This dish brings that same comfort with a creamy cajun twist.
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Why You'll Love Cajun Chicken Pasta
Bold flavor: Cajun seasoning gives this dish just the right amount of heat without overpowering it, making it great for anyone who enjoys spicy chicken pasta.
Creamy sauce: heavy cream turns the skillet drippings into a silky, rich sauce that coats every bite.
Easy dinner: comes together fast with simple ingredients, which makes it perfect for a dependable weeknight chicken recipe.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Chicken tenders: they cook quickly and stay tender in the creamy sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: adds heat and smoky flavor for that classic Cajun profile.
- Bell peppers: red and green peppers bring color and sweetness.
- Fresh mushrooms: add savory depth to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy whipping cream: creates a rich, velvety sauce for the pasta.
- Bow tie pasta: bow ties catch the sauce beautifully and hold up well.
- Fresh basil: a bright pop of freshness right at the end.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use penne or rotini instead of bow ties if that's what you have on hand.
- Swap chicken thighs for tenders for a juicer bite.
- Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with a slight sweetness.
Variations on Cajun Chicken Pasta + Veggies
- Add spinach: stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Make it extra spicy: add cayenne or sliced jalapenos with the vegetables.
- Blackened style: sear the seasoned chicken over high heat for deeper color and flavor before adding the veggies.
Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Season well: let the Cajun seasoning coat the chicken evenly to build a stronger base of flavor.
- Saute hot: use medium-high heat so the chicken browns lightly without overcooking.
- Reduce the sauce: let the cream simmer until lightly thickened. This helps it cling better to the bow tie pasta.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Serve With...
Tjos Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a few favorites from my kitchen. Try serving it alongside my Air Fryer Garlic Knots or a lighter side like Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans. While this dish is heart enough on it's own, these additions turn it into a full dinner you'll want to make again and again.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy creamy, comforting meals, you may also like my Chicken Riggies, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Chicken Parmesan Casserole, and Creamy Chicken Linguine.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Pasta pot
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Ingredients
- 6 ounces dried bow tie pasta cooked according to package
- ¾ pound chicken tenders cut bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ⅓ cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms sliced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 leaves fresh basil cut into small pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the cajun seasoning, and garlic powder over top of the chicken and toss.
- Heat the butter over medium high heat in a non stick skillet until hot. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, or until no longer pink, stirring often.
- Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, mushrooms and green onions. Cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream. Add the salt and pepper if using. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, until heavy cream has begun to reduce.
- Stir in pasta bow ties and sprinkle with fresh basil. Stir to combine. Garnish with more fresh basil when ready to serve, if desired.
Stacey says
You have some great recipes! This looks so good. I am excited to follow. You can follow me back at http://www.pbandjoy.com/
Daily freebies says
This one looks really good...good job like always 🙂
Mrs. L says
This looks like a great little pasta dish to feed my husband and I. I'll have to try this next week.
Cheryl says
I am always looking for a new pasta dish and that one looks like a winner!
The Duo Dishes says
It's easy to get around not using the cream, especially if you have a little Greek yogurt or sour cream around. This works!
Cooking with Kait says
Looks wonderful even without the heavy cream 🙂
Mags says
Another delicious looking pasta recipe from you Shelby. It really does look restaurant quality!
Cristine says
Looks delicious! We love cajun chicken pasta here!
Tupper Cooks! says
Mmmmmmm-looks yummy!
KAREN says
looks very good and sounds easy. perfect for a week night meal!
Amanda says
Looks and sounds great Shelby! I stumbled this for you!
pegasuslegend says
Saw this on all recipes and looks beautiful one of my favorite versatile pastas, must have 15 boxes on hand. 🙂 Very nice recipe
Pam says
It does look restaurant quality!
bellini valli says
Perfect Shelby:D