If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in one pot, you’re going to love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness that makes dinner feel special without all the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to weeknight meals!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Layered Cajun Flavors: The homemade seasoning mix brings just the right amount of smoky, spicy, and herbal notes.
Creamy Finish: Cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture that wraps around every bite.
Balanced Ingredients: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and juicy diced tomatoes make for a comforting, well-rounded dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Cajun Pasta, Spicy Cajun Chicken - 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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a special role, working together to create a dish that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor. Plus, I’ll give you a few tips on how to get the best from each one!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Cajun Pasta, Spicy Cajun Chicken - 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: Brings that signature smoky warmth without heat, which pairs perfectly with the cayenne pepper.
Oregano & thyme: Fresh herbal notes that deepen the complexity of the Cajun seasoning.
Garlic & onion powders: Essential pantry staples that boost savory flavor without needing fresh alternatives.
Cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of heat — you can always adjust to your heat preference.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the spices beautifully when cut into cubes.
Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce thanks to its ridged surface.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Infuse a subtle smokiness and acidity that balance the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: The liquid base that helps cook the pasta and infuses deeper flavor.
Cream cheese: Melts smoothly to coat every bite in luscious creaminess.
Green onions: Offer a fresh, bright pop at the end that cuts through the richness.

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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

I love customizing this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe based on what I have on hand or how much spice I’m craving. You can absolutely make it your own, and it still turns out incredible every time.

Spice Level Adjustment: I sometimes add extra cayenne when I’m feeling bold, but for a milder version, just reduce it or leave it out.
Protein Swap: Shrimp or sausage work beautifully too—just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Dairy-Free Version: Try substituting cream cheese with a dairy-free cream or cashew cream for that same luscious texture.
Veggie Boost: Adding bell peppers or mushrooms when you sauté the onions is a tasty way to sneak in some extra veggies.

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

Step 1: Spice Up Your Chicken

I start by mixing all the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl—this gives me control over the heat and flavor balance. Then, I cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat them thoroughly with that seasoning mix. This step is crucial because getting the chicken well-coated means every bite bursts with those bold Cajun flavors.

Step 2: Sear Chicken and Build Layers

In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter until foamy. Adding both fat types helps get that perfect sear and deep flavor. Pop the chicken in and cook for a couple of minutes per side just to brown the outside—you don’t want it fully cooked yet since it’ll finish cooking later. Toss in your diced onions and sauté until they soften and start releasing their juices; this loosens up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan for your sauce to soak up.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

Once the onions are fragrant, add the uncooked penne, fire roasted diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juices!), and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so it’s evenly mixed. Then cover with a lid and crank up the heat until it boils. After that, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and to make sure the pasta cooks perfectly in that flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Cream It Up and Garnish

When your pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, chunk in the cream cheese and stir it in until silky smooth. This is the magic that makes this recipe truly creamy and indulgent. Lastly, sprinkle over sliced green onions for a fresh, crunchy contrast. And just like that, you’re ready to dive in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Keep the Heat Balanced: I always watch the simmer closely and adjust the stovetop up or down to keep the pasta cooking gently without boiling over or drying out.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Frequent stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking—trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Cream Cheese Trick: Adding it in chunks and stirring patiently helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
Use a Deep Skillet: A deeper pan helps contain all the liquid and pasta comfortably, so your sauce can thicken without evaporating too fast.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Cajun Pasta, Spicy Cajun Chicken - 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 love how the green onions add a fresh burst right at the end, but sometimes I finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime juice for a brighter kick. If you’re a cheese lover, some shaved Parmesan on top takes it over the edge.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or crusty French bread is a classic side that’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this creamy cajun chicken pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of cilantro and a small avocado slice on the side for creaminess and color contrast. It feels fancy but is actually super easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 3-4 days. The pasta may soak up a bit more sauce overnight, so you might want to loosen it slightly when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta once or twice; it freezes well but the texture of the pasta softens a bit. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the saucy texture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great because its shape holds sauce well, you can use other short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different shapes may take slightly more or less time to cook.
What if I don’t have all the Cajun seasoning spices?

No worries! You can simplify by using a store-bought Cajun seasoning mix or just use smoked paprika with garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne. The key is to get some smoky and spicy flavor. You can always adjust seasoning after cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and spice absorption. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw completely before cutting and seasoning so it cooks evenly and safely.
Is this recipe easily doubled or halved?

For sure! Just remember if you double it, use a larger skillet or pot to give the pasta room to cook. Halving works great too — just keep the proportions consistent for flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has become a favorite in my home for how easy it is without compromising on big, bold flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but can come together quickly on a busy night. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like bringing a little bit of that Southern comfort right to your own kitchen, effortless and delicious.