Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken

This spicy creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings bold, comforting flavors to your weeknight dinner table with minimal fuss. The blend of fragrant Cajun seasoning and a luscious tomato cream sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect way to elevate simple ingredients into something special and satisfying.

I first made this dish when I was craving something rich yet vibrant, and it quickly became a favorite for sharing with friends who always ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Rigatoni: 7 ounces or your preferred pasta which holds sauce well and provides a hearty bite
• Tomato sauce: Half a cup of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a tangy rich base choose good quality for best flavor
• Heavy cream: One cup to add silky texture and mellow heat
• Reserved pasta water: Half a cup to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the noodles
• Parmesan: Quarter cup grated parmesan cheese lending a savory depth and slight nuttiness
• Chicken: Two boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thin for quick cooking and even seasoning
• Olive oil: One tablespoon to marinate the chicken and keep it juicy plus additional for frying the chicken
• Cajun seasoning: One and a half tablespoons divided to infuse bold spice into both the chicken and the sauce
• Garlic: Three cloves minced for a fragrant aromatic punch
• Onion: Half an onion sliced brings sweetness that balances the heat
• Red bell pepper: Half a red bell pepper sliced adds color and a mild crunch
• Butter: One tablespoon used in the sauce to enrich and round out flavors
• Optional: Chili flakes for an extra kick when serving and fresh parsley for a bright fresh garnish
• Tip: When selecting Cajun seasoning look for blends with paprika garlic powder and cayenne for authentic warmth

Instructions

Combine the Chicken and Marinade:

Mix the sliced chicken breasts with olive oil and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning in a bowl Ensure every piece is evenly coated This helps the chicken absorb the flavors and stay juicy when cooked Set aside to marinate briefly while prepping the rest

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add your rigatoni and cook until just one minute shy of al dente This slight undercooking prevents mushiness when tossed with sauce later Reserve half a cup of the hot pasta water before draining the rest

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Place the marinated chicken slices in the pan and cook for roughly two to three minutes per side Aim for a golden brown crust and fully cooked chicken but avoid overcooking to keep it tender Remove from the skillet and set aside

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:

In the same skillet add butter Once melted add sliced onions and minced garlic Cook on medium low heat until the onions soften and become fragrant about three minutes Then toss in the red bell pepper slices and sauté another two minutes until they slightly soften but retain some crunch

Prepare the Sauce:

Pour in the tomato sauce followed by the heavy cream Add the reserved pasta water and sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for two to three minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained pasta and half of the cooked chicken slices into the sauce Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle Let it simmer for another one to two minutes to marry all the flavors Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and taste to adjust seasoning as needed

Serve and Garnish:

Plate the pasta and spoon the remaining chicken slices on top If you like heat sprinkle chili flakes over and finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness Serve immediately for best flavor and texture

My favorite ingredient has to be the Cajun seasoning itself Its complexity of smoky spicy and herby notes brings this dish to life every time I have fond memories of cooking this for a small dinner party where everyone raved about the flavors and asked for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent drying out the chicken

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap rigatoni for penne or even farfalle as they hold sauce well For a lighter option substitute heavy cream with half and half but expect a less rich sauce Use smoked paprika or Cajun spice blends you make at home for control over salt levels and heat intensity

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up leftover sauce A chilled glass of white wine or a crisp lager complements the spicy creamy flavors beautifully

This spicy creamy Cajun chicken pasta is quick to make and delivers big flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What pasta works best with creamy cajun sauce?

Rigatoni is ideal as its ridges hold the creamy cajun sauce well, but penne or fusilli work nicely too.

→ How can I add more heat to this dish?

Boost spice by adding cayenne powder to the sauce or sprinkling extra chili flakes when serving.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken and refrigerate up to 2 hours before cooking for deeper flavor.

→ What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?

Pasta water helps loosen the sauce while adding starch, which helps it cling better to the pasta.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Heavy cream and parmesan contribute richness; you may try plant-based cream and vegan cheese, but flavor will vary.