Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 6 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided); 6 tablespoons butter (divided); 1 pound linguine; 3 medium multi-color bell peppers (sliced); 1 red onion (sliced); 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms (sliced); 2 cups heavy cream

There’s something downright comforting about rich, creamy pasta that hits just the right note of spice and flavor — that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. The juicy chicken and colorful veggies make it a total weeknight winner, and trust me, it’s a crowdpleaser every single time.

A white round plate holds a bed of light brown noodles mixed with dark brown mushrooms and strips of red and green bell peppers. On top, there are five thick slices of grilled chicken, browned with black pepper specks and some green herb pieces sprinkled over. The chicken has a golden crispy texture with charred darker spots. A fork with an aged bronze color is placed behind the chicken, partially visible. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a go-to for me whenever I need a quick but impressive dinner. The Cajun seasoning lends a bold kick without overpowering the creamy sauce, and all that color from the peppers and onions just makes the whole dish pop right off the plate.

Bold, balanced flavor: The Cajun spices perfectly complement the creamy sauce, creating a mouthwatering taste experience.
Simple to make: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Colorful and nutritious: Multi-color bell peppers and mushrooms add freshness and a boost of vitamins.
Versatile and customizable: You can tweak the spice levels or swap veggies to suit your mood or pantry.

The image shows a white pan filled with a creamy pasta dish topped with two layers of sliced grilled chicken. The bottom layer consists of light brown noodles mixed with thick slices of red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions in a creamy sauce. On top, there are two rows of golden-brown grilled chicken slices, sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a brown cloth on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s break down the ingredients — they’re the secret to that perfect creamy, spicy, and hearty balance. I always recommend buying fresh bell peppers and good quality chicken; it really makes a difference in flavor and texture here.

Flat lay of four whole uncut boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned lightly with a dusting of reddish-brown Cajun spice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red and golden yellow sliced multi-color bell peppers, a small white ceramic bowl with thinly sliced vibrant purple red onion, a small white ceramic bowl containing fresh beige cremini mushrooms sliced, a neat bundle of uncooked pale yellow linguine pasta strands, a small white ceramic bowl holding thick creamy white heavy cream, and three small pats of glossy light yellow butter placed on a white ceramic dish, all 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

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and juicy, it soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully and cooks quickly.
Cajun Seasoning: The star spice blend here, bringing warmth and depth; you can even make your own if you like!
Butter: Adds richness to both the chicken and the sautéed veggies for that silky mouthfeel in the sauce.
Linguine: The perfect pasta for this dish because its size holds onto the creamy sauce nicely.
Multi-Color Bell Peppers: Sweet and vibrant, they provide crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Red Onion: Adds a little sharpness that balances the creamy sauce well.
White or Cremini Mushrooms: Earthy flavor that rounds out the overall taste profile.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that wraps everything in deliciousness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap the bell peppers for zucchini or add spinach for extra greens. Feel free to get creative; it’s all about making this dish fit your taste buds and pantry.

Variation: Once, I swapped chicken for spicy Andouille sausage, and it added a smoky depth that was incredible — definitely worth trying!
Dietary Mod: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
Heat Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on how spicy you want it — I typically add an extra teaspoon if I’m craving more kick.

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

Step 1: Spice and Sear That Chicken

I start by rubbing each chicken breast generously with about a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. The key here is not to be shy — that spice is what makes this dish sing! Then, heat a skillet with some butter over medium-high and sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side to get a nice golden crust. After that, turn the heat down and let it cook through slowly until it hits 165°F inside. This gentle cooking keeps the chicken succulent and juicy.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine and Prep Your Veggies

While the chicken is working its magic, boil your linguine in salted water following the package instructions — al dente is the goal here. Meanwhile, slice those bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. I love how the mixture of colors and textures adds brightness and interest to the dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build That Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet — don’t waste those browned bits from the chicken! — melt the rest of the butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced veggies and cook until tender, usually about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently so nothing burns. Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the veggies and stir it in for one minute to really boost that flavor. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Toss Pasta, Slice Chicken, and Serve

Drain the linguine and add it right to your creamy skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is nicely coated and the veggies get evenly distributed. Slice your rested chicken breasts against the grain and serve them on top of the pasta. That’s it — dinner’s ready, and it’s pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe dozens of times, and a few little tricks really help nail the flavor and texture every time.

Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a thermometer or slice to check if it’s just cooked through — juicy chicken is key here.
Keep those browned bits: When you sauté the veggies in the same pan, you add layers of flavor that make all the difference.
Season gradually: Adding Cajun seasoning in two stages prevents it from overpowering the creaminess.
Rest your chicken: Letting it rest before slicing ensures the juices stay inside, keeping every bite tender.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Cajun chicken pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top — it adds a fresh pop of color and a little herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A little extra Cajun seasoning on the side lets anyone spice things up to their liking, too.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like to serve a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is also a classic companion — perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a dinner party, I’ve plated the pasta in individual large bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of chili oil on top. It makes that Cajun heat pop visually and flavor-wise, plus it’s a little extra impressive without any extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always like to store the pasta and chicken together because the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta before—just freeze in portions, then thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture softens a bit but reheating gently helps keep it creamy and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it up on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive that sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring every 30 seconds helps prevent it from getting dry or unevenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works great here, penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni are fantastic options that hold the creamy sauce well.

Is there a way to make this dish less rich?

Yes! You can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half of it with chicken broth for a lighter sauce. Also, using less butter or opting for olive oil can help lighten the dish.

Can I prepare the Cajun seasoning mix myself?

Definitely! A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper makes a fantastic homemade Cajun seasoning that tastes fresher and lets you control the spice level.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer — when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s safe and juicy. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation — it’s comforting, quick, and feels a lot fancier than the effort it takes. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying as I do. It’s one of those dishes that’s reliable, full of flavor, and guaranteed to make your dinner feel like a little celebration every time.