Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked); 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz cream cheese; 3 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s both comforting and bursting with bold flavors, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want dinner to feel special but not complicated. It’s rich, spicy, and so creamy—all from one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite in your house too.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Simplicity: You’re cooking everything together, which means bold flavors and minimal cleanup—a total win in my book.
Balanced Spice and Creaminess: The Cajun seasoning packs the punch, while the cream cheese brings that luscious, silky texture you’ll adore.
Flavor Built Layer by Layer: Searing the chicken first and sautéing the onion helps build a depth of flavor that’s worth the tiny extra effort.
Perfect for Busy Nights: It comes together quickly—about 30 minutes—and tastes like you were in the kitchen all afternoon.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Ideas - A close-up view of a large silver pan filled with creamy pasta made with short tube-shaped noodles, chopped light brown cooked chicken pieces, and a rich tan-colored sauce. Mixed in are small bits of red tomatoes and sprinkled chopped green onions on top to add bright green color contrast. A light wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially covered by the pasta. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a white and gray striped cloth beneath the handle. The dish looks warm and inviting with a mix of soft textures and fresh garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to give you that iconic creamy Cajun chicken pasta taste. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—homemade Cajun spice blend really elevates this dish, and fresh green onions add a touch of brightness at the end.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Ideas - Flat lay of smoked paprika powder in a small white bowl, fresh oregano sprigs, fresh thyme sprigs, garlic powder in a small white bowl, onion powder in a small white bowl, cayenne pepper powder in a small white bowl, black peppercorns in a small white bowl, coarse salt in a small white bowl, a small pool of golden olive oil in a white bowl, a pat of creamy butter on a white ceramic plate, raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a whole yellow onion, uncooked penne pasta scattered, a small white bowl filled with fire roasted diced tomatoes, a small white bowl with clear chicken broth, chunks of cream cheese on a white plate, three fresh green onions whole and uncut, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth that’s essential to authentic Cajun flavor.
Oregano & Thyme: Classic herbs that complement the spices and make the seasoning complex.
Cayenne Pepper: Gives that gentle kick of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless is perfect here because it cooks fast and soaks up all the flavors.
Yellow Onion: Sautéed to soften and sweeten, it helps build the base of the sauce.
Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well with its ridges and tube shape—perfect for this dish!
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a subtle charred flavor that brightens the creaminess.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water enriches the flavor and keeps the dish hearty.
Cream Cheese: The star of the creamy sauce. It melts beautifully and thickens the sauce without extra heaviness.
Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds punchy color and a mild onion flavor right at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is super flexible—you can crank up the spice if you like things fiery or swap out chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous. I’ve made it plenty of ways, and it always turns out fantastic.

Go Spicy: Once, I added extra cayenne and a dash of hot sauce—loved the extra heat, but balance it carefully if you’re new to spicy food.
Make it Veggie-Friendly: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a coconut cream substitute and nutritional yeast to capture the creaminess without dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

First things first—mix up your Cajun seasoning, then toss those chicken cubes in it until every piece is coated nicely. This is where we build that flavor foundation, so don’t rush! I like to use smoked paprika as the base. When the chicken hits the hot pan, you’ll smell those spices come alive, which is such a great sign you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Sear Chicken and Sauté Onions

Heat the olive oil and butter in a deep skillet until it’s shimmering and the butter is foamy. Then add the chicken—just a couple minutes per side so you get a golden crust without cooking it through. Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about two minutes. This softens the onion and helps scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—major flavor boosters!

Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

Pour in the penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes (don’t forget the juice—it adds amazing flavor), and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the pasta simmer gently, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks. I usually set a timer for 10 minutes here—perfectly tender pasta and thick, saucy liquid that clings beautifully.

Step 4: Melt in the Cream Cheese and Garnish

Breaking the cream cheese into chunks, scatter them over the skillet and stir until the sauce is silky and irresistibly creamy. Finish off by sprinkling the sliced green onions right on top. I love the freshness they bring—it’s like a little pop of spring in every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Maintain a Gentle Simmer: Keep your heat moderate when simmering the pasta—too high and the liquid evaporates too fast; too low and the pasta won’t cook evenly.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken Early: Just get some color on it in the pan. It’ll keep cooking as you simmer the pasta, so you get juicy bites instead of dry chunks.
Stir Often: This avoids the dreaded sticking or burning at the bottom, especially as the sauce thickens with cream cheese.
Use a Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: The generous capacity makes it easier to stir and prevents spills during simmering.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipes, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Ideas - A white plate holds a tasty mix of penne pasta covered in a creamy orange sauce. The pasta is joined by small pieces of cooked chicken and bits of tomato, all mixed together. Bright green chopped green onions are sprinkled over the top to add color. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially digging into the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with sliced green onions because they add a fresh zing that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika or chopped parsley for color. If you want extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top is fantastic too.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is quite the star, so I keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli balance the richness perfectly. Crusty garlic bread is another favorite—it’s great for sopping up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, you can serve this pasta in small oven-safe dishes. Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for guests to squeeze over. Another fun idea: make it a pasta bar by offering toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy bacon on the side so everyone can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Before sealing, I usually let it cool to avoid excess moisture inside the container, which can make the pasta mushy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream cheese for best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring in cream cheese afterward to keep that silky sauce intact.

Reheating

Reheating works best gently on low-medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently so it heats evenly without drying out. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make creamy sauces separate or dry.

FAQs

Can I use pasta shapes other than penne for this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds the sauce well with its ridges and hollow shape, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy for kids or sensitive palates?

Yes! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and adjust the smoked paprika to balance the flavor without the heat. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder or substitute with mild paprika to keep the smoky taste without the kick.
Can I prepare the Cajun seasoning blend ahead of time?

Definitely. Making your own Cajun seasoning ahead is a great time saver. Store it in an airtight jar in your spice cabinet and use whenever the craving hits. It keeps well for several months, and you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any on hand?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone, goat cheese, or even a mix of heavy cream and a small amount of grated Parmesan. Keep in mind that some substitutes will change the flavor and texture slightly but still deliver a nice creamy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe really feels like a hug in a bowl for me—rich, spicy, and satisfying, without needing a lot of fuss. Whether you’re making it to impress guests or simply to treat yourself after a busy day, it always hits the spot. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself loving it as much as I do. Plus, the one-pot simplicity means you get more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pans—what’s not to love?