You know those nights when you want something comforting but exciting, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? That’s exactly why my Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers became my weeknight hero. I first threw this together during one of those crazy evenings when the kids had soccer practice and my husband was working late – it’s become our family’s go-to “fancy fast food” ever since.
What makes this dish special is how the smoky Cajun spices dance with that velvety cream sauce, while the colorful peppers add just the right crunch. It’s restaurant-quality flavor that comes together in about the same time it takes to boil pasta – and trust me, that’s my kind of cooking after a long day. The best part? That gorgeous cream sauce clinging to every noodle while the juicy chicken and sweet peppers make each bite different from the last.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s your new weeknight best friend. Here’s why:
- 30-minute magic: From chopping to serving in half an hour – perfect for when hunger strikes fast
- Spice it your way: Love heat? Add extra Cajun kick. Prefer mild? Just go easy on the seasoning
- Creamy dreaminess: That silky sauce coats every noodle without being overly heavy
- Rainbow on a plate: Vibrant peppers make it as pretty as it is tasty
- Protein punch: Chicken keeps you full while the carbs give you energy
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need, grouped by component to make shopping easier:
- Pasta: 8 oz dry penne pasta (about half a standard box)
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Veggies: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream (240ml), 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Finishing touches: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you need to swap something! Cajun seasoning can be store-bought (my quick fix) or homemade (extra points!). For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream – the sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious. Any color bell peppers work – I use red and yellow because they’re pretty, but green works too in a pinch. No fresh parsley? A teaspoon of dried will do!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
Now comes the fun part – turning these simple ingredients into that magical Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers! Follow these steps and you’ll have dinner ready before you know it. I’ve made this dozens of times, and these timings work like a charm every time.
- Cook the pasta: Boil your penne in salted water according to package directions (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain it, but don’t rinse – that starchy water is liquid gold for your sauce later!
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Add those chicken cubes and cook until beautifully browned on all sides and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) – about 6 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In that same glorious skillet (now full of chicken-y goodness), toss in your peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until they start softening. Add the garlic last – just 30 seconds until you smell that amazing aroma.
- Bring it all together: Return the chicken to the party, then sprinkle everything with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the heavy cream and let the whole thing simmer gently for about 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken slightly as it bubbles.
- Final touches: Toss in your cooked pasta, stirring until every noodle is coated in that creamy Cajun sauce. Finish with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley for that perfect restaurant-quality look.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Pasta
- Always save some pasta water – a splash can loosen the sauce if it thickens too much
- Toast the Cajun seasoning in the pan for 30 seconds before adding cream to deepen the flavor
- Slice peppers and onions evenly so they cook at the same rate
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cajun Pasta
This dish shines all on its own, but I love serving it with warm garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. For garnish, go wild with extra Parmesan (always yes) or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Honestly? Sometimes I just eat it straight from the pan – no judgment here!
Storing & Reheating Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
If by some miracle you have leftovers (we rarely do!), stash them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce as it chills – no worries! Just splash in a little milk when reheating to bring back that luscious creaminess. Microwave works fine, but I prefer reheating gently on the stove for the best texture. Pro tip: Stir occasionally so everything warms evenly without drying out!
Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers Nutrition
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1.5 cups) of this delicious pasta. Remember, these are estimates – your actual numbers might vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements. But hey, we’re cooking, not doing lab work!
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 28g (14g saturated)
- Protein: 32g – hello, muscle fuel!
- Carbs: 38g (4g fiber)
- Sugar: 6g (mostly from those sweet peppers)
- Sodium: 680mg (adjust seasoning to taste)
Not too shabby for a dish that tastes this indulgent! The chicken packs a protein punch, while the peppers add vitamins A and C. That creamy sauce? Worth every calorie in my book.
FAQs About Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
I get asked these questions all the time about my go-to pasta dish – here are the answers straight from my kitchen experience!
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken? Absolutely! Shrimp makes a fantastic swap – just reduce cook time to 2-3 minutes per side (until pink and curled). I love using jumbo shrimp for extra bite. Pro tip: Add them at the very end with the cream to prevent overcooking.
How spicy is this dish? It’s got a nice kick but won’t set your mouth on fire! The Cajun seasoning gives warmth more than heat. My kids eat it happily (I use 1 tbsp seasoning for them), but spice lovers can double it. Taste as you go – you’re the boss of your bowl!
Can I make it ahead? It’s best fresh when the sauce is super creamy, but leftovers keep surprisingly well! The flavors actually deepen overnight. Just remember: pasta drinks up sauce, so have that milk handy when reheating. I often prep veggies and chicken in advance to speed up weeknight cooking.
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30-Minute Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, colorful peppers, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to skillet. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Add more cream for a saucier dish
- Store leftovers in airtight container for 3 days
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: creamy cajun pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner idea