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Easy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe photo

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta with a rich Parmesan-cream sauce that's quick to prepare.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless skinless chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 8 oz penne or similar pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 oz cream cheese brick style
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese not powdered
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • additional Cajun seasoning to taste

Equipment

  • gallon zipper bag
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Pot for pasta
  • medium heavy saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a gallon zipper bag with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; seal and shake or knead to coat evenly.
  2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan, cover, and cook about 7 minutes; flip and cook another 7 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (times may vary with thickness).
  4. While the chicken cooks, start the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water and cook according to package directions; drain when done.
  5. In a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until combined to form a roux.
  6. Add the cream cheese and minced garlic to the roux and whisk until incorporated; it may be slightly lumpy at first.
  7. Pour in 1/4 of the half and half and whisk until smooth, then stir in the grated Parmesan.
  8. Slowly whisk in the remaining half and half and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, whisking frequently until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
  9. Pour the sauce over the drained pasta and stir to combine.
  10. Slice the cooked chicken and either stir into the pasta or arrange on top, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use brick-style cream cheese for best texture.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
  • Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Fresh grated Parmesan melts better than powdered.