Creamy Cajun Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe (2024)

Spicy Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of tender blackened chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and pasta, creating a delicious comfort dish that comes together in a flash.

We love spicy food in my house, so we're always cooking up Cajun and Creole food or just kicking up our classic Southern dishes with some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of pasta, so a Spicy Chicken Pasta is always a hit in my family!

For this recipe, we used two different recipes that our readers love. The first is a blackened seasoning. We've used this spice mix in lots of our recipes like Blackened Pork Chops, Blackened Baked Salmon, and even Blackened Corn!

Today we'll be using it to cook Blackened Chicken in a skillet for a quick and easy way to add protein to this pasta dish.

The other reader favorite we're using here is our Cajun Cream Sauce. This sauce is delicious on fish, chicken, pasta- really anything! We'll be kicking it up with a tad extra cayenne pepper to give you the best Spicy Chicken Pasta recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Explosion of Flavors: The Spicy Chicken Pasta offers a delightful burst of flavors, from the bold kick of blackened chicken to the creamy richness of the pasta sauce with Cajun spice.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of 15-20 minutes and a cook time of 15-20 minutes, it's a quick and easy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable Spice Level: Tailor the spiciness to your liking with the adjustable heat from the homemade blackened seasoning and the optional cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers Galore: This is a great recipe for leftovers, since this dish is just as good (or better!) the next day.

Ingredients Needed

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Serve as the main protein, providing a lean and versatile base for the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Blackened seasoning: This blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, brings a bold and spicy flavor to the dish. You can make your own blackened seasoning, or use a store-bought brand.
• Cayenne pepper: Elevates the heat level, adding an extra kick to the overall spiciness of the dish.
• Pasta: You can use whatever kind of pasta you prefer. We love penne pasta, fettuccine, and linguini in this dish!
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: Used to cook the chicken, ensuring it's tender and flavorful.
• Cajun cream sauce: Made with dry white wine, half and half, pan drippings from cooking the chicken, all-purpose flour, Cajun or Creole seasoning, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice.

Check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta

1. Grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts and coat them generously with the Blackened seasoning.
2. We want these chicken breasts to cook evenly, so grab a meat mallet and give them a good pounding between sheets of plastic wrap. Aim for an even thickness of about half an inch.
3. Heat up a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil. Once it's sizzling, cook the chicken for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Set them aside to rest for a while before slicing.

4. Deglaze the pan you used for the chicken with some dry white wine.
5. In a bowl, whisk together half and half, all-purpose flour, Cajun or Creole seasoning, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This is our secret mix for a flavorful, creamy sauce.
6. Pour that mixture into the skillet with the white wine and pan drippings. Stir it up over medium heat until it thickens. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Boil your pasta of choice according to package directions until it's al dente. In a large serving dish, toss your cooked pasta with the Cajun Cream Sauce.
8. Now you can choose to slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or to cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the pasta and the delicious sauce- it's perfect either way!

Expert Tips

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures uniform cooking and a juicy result.
• Experiment with the amount of blackening seasoning and cayenne pepper to tailor the spiciness to your liking. Start with a little heat and add more if you're feeling adventurous.
• For best results, allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
• When boiling pasta, don't forget to add salt to the water. It flavors the pasta from the inside out.
• Cook pasta until al dente, so it has a bit of bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the delicious cream sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

• Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a totally different meal the family will love just as much.
• Low Carb Spicy Chicken Pasta: Sub the pasta for baked spaghetti squash for a low carb option that is just as satisfying.
• Spicy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Toss in some blanched broccoli florets to add vegetables to your meal.
• Cajun Pasta with Vegetables: Add in some sauteed bell peppers and yellow onion for a dish with even more Cajun flair.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. The Spicy Chicken Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Freezing a cream-based sauce can cause texture issues when it is thawed and reheated, so we don't recommend freezing this dish.

Reheating: Gently reheat the creamy pasta on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30 second increments. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the right texture.

Serving Suggestions

We love this spicy chicken pasta as is, but it's also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top.

Serve it with a crusty garlic bread, a side salad with Cajun salad dressing, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Recipe FAQs

Want more easy pasta recipes?

• Pasta Salad with Asparagus
• Chicken with Asparagus and Pasta

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