Cajun Chicken Pasta

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This Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and linguine. Everything cooks together in one pot before a splash of heavy cream turns the seasoned broth into a rich, creamy sauce. It’s an easy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes and can be adjusted to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Bowl of creamy Cajun pasta with chicken, linguine, red and yellow peppers, tomatoes, and parsley

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a one-pot dinner. The chicken, vegetables, pasta, and creamy sauce all cook in the same pot, which means less cleanup after dinner.
Ready in about 30 minutes. With just 15 minutes of prep and 13-17 minutes of cooking, this recipe works well for busy weeknights.
Loaded with flavor. Old Bay seasoning, garlic, onion, bell peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes give every bite plenty of savory flavor.
Creamy without being too heavy. Heavy cream adds richness, while chicken broth and tomatoes keep the sauce from feeling overly rich.
Easy to customize. Adjust the seasoning to control the heat or swap the vegetables, pasta, or chicken based on what you have available.
Feeds the family. One batch makes 6-8 servings.

What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Cajun Chicken Pasta combines seasoned chicken and pasta with a creamy, boldly flavored sauce. This version is made with chicken breasts, bell peppers, onion, garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

Instead of cooking the pasta separately, the linguine simmers right in the pot with the chicken, vegetables, broth, and tomatoes. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the seasoned cooking liquid and releases starch that helps create the sauce.

Old Bay seasoning gives this version its savory, slightly spicy flavor. You can also use your favorite Cajun seasoning and adjust the amount based on how spicy you want the finished dish.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cut the chicken into large cubes so it stays tender while cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used.

Old Bay seasoning

Seasons the chicken and adds plenty of flavor to the entire dish. Your favorite Cajun seasoning can be substituted, but keep in mind that different blends vary in salt and heat.

Cooking oil

Vegetable, canola, sunflower, or avocado oil works well.

Yellow onion

Adds savory flavor to the sauce. White, sweet, or red onion can be substituted.

Bell peppers

Use a combination of colors for flavor and color. Red and yellow bell peppers work especially well, but green and orange are also good choices.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic adds another layer of savory flavor.

Chicken broth

Provides the cooking liquid for the pasta and forms the base of the sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted.

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes

Add tomato flavor and a subtle smoky element. Regular canned diced tomatoes can also be used.

Linguine

Cooks directly in the seasoned liquid. Spaghetti or fettuccine can also work, although cooking times may vary.

Cornstarch

Helps thicken the cooking liquid before the cream is added.

Heavy cream

Gives the sauce its creamy finish. Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, but you’ll want to use less since the finished sauce may otherwise be thinner.

Green onions and parsley

Optional garnishes that add a fresh finishing touch.

Ingredients for creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta arranged with chicken, linguine, bell peppers, tomatoes, cream, onion, garlic, and seasonings

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into large cubes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted.
Old Bay seasoning – Provides the main seasoning for the dish. Your favorite Cajun seasoning can be substituted. Because seasoning blends vary in salt and heat, adjust the amount as needed.
cooking oil – Vegetable, canola, sunflower, or avocado oil works well.
yellow onion – White, sweet, or red onion can be substituted.
bell pepper – Use a combination of colors. Red, yellow, green, and orange bell peppers all work well.
garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds savory flavor to the chicken and sauce.
chicken broth – Vegetable broth can be substituted. Water can work in a pinch, but you may need additional seasoning.
fire-roasted diced tomatoes – Regular canned diced tomatoes can be substituted. For additional heat, diced tomatoes with chiles can also be used.
linguine – Spaghetti or fettuccine are good substitutes, although cooking times may vary. Penne can also work, but you may need to adjust the cooking time or liquid.
cornstarch – Thickens the cooking liquid before the cream is added.
heavy cream – Gives the sauce its creamy consistency. Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, but use less to avoid making the sauce too thin.
green onions – An optional fresh garnish.
fresh parsley – Another optional garnish that adds fresh flavor and color.

Variations

Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also replace the Old Bay with a hotter Cajun or Creole seasoning.
Make it milder: Reduce the amount of seasoning or choose a mild Cajun seasoning. Plain diced tomatoes can also be substituted for the fire-roasted tomatoes.
Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts.
Try another pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine can be substituted for the linguine. Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks since the cooking time may change.
Use penne: Penne can also work, but you may need to adjust both the cooking time and liquid. Changing the pasta shape can affect the consistency of a one-pot sauce.
Change the peppers: Use any combination of red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers.
Change the cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream. Use less than you would heavy cream to help prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

Close-up bowl of creamy chicken pasta with bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh parsley

Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook the chicken while searing. You’re only giving it a quick 2-3 minute sear at this point. It will continue cooking with the pasta.
Stir the pasta frequently. Because the linguine cooks directly in the sauce, stirring helps prevent the noodles from sticking to one another or the bottom of the pot.
Watch your seasoning. Cajun and Creole seasoning blends vary considerably in salt and heat. If you’re replacing the Old Bay, adjust the amount to suit the blend you’re using.
Make a smooth slurry. Mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of hot liquid before adding it to the pot prevents lumps.
Add the cream after turning off the heat. Gradually stirring it in after the heat is turned off helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Don’t skip the resting time. The pasta may look a little saucy when you first remove it from the heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes so the sauce has time to cool slightly and thicken.
Keep pasta substitutions in mind. Different shapes and thicknesses absorb liquid differently, so changing the pasta may require adjustments to the cooking time or liquid.

FAQs

Can I use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay?

Yes. Your favorite Cajun seasoning can be substituted for Old Bay. Seasoning blends vary in saltiness and spice level, so you may need to adjust the amount depending on the brand you use.

How can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta spicier?

You have several options. Increase the seasoning, use a hotter Cajun or Creole seasoning, or add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use canned diced tomatoes with chiles in place of the fire-roasted tomatoes.

How can I make this pasta milder?

Use less Old Bay or choose a milder Cajun seasoning. You can also substitute plain diced tomatoes for the fire-roasted tomatoes. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, start with less seasoning and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good substitute for chicken breasts and work well with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes. Spaghetti and fettuccine are the easiest substitutes for linguine, although their cooking times may differ. Penne can also be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time or amount of liquid because different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently.

Can I make Cajun Chicken Pasta without heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted for the heavy cream. Use a smaller amount since these alternatives are thinner and could make the sauce runny.

Can I freeze Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Yes. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze it for 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage

Allow leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.

The pasta can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

How to make Cajun Chicken Pasta

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Quick steps:

Season the chicken. Toss the cubed chicken breasts with Old Bay seasoning until evenly coated.
Sear the chicken. Heat the cooking oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken and extra seasoning from the bowl, then sear on all sides for 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegetables. Stir in the onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Add the liquids. Pour in the chicken broth and undrained fire-roasted tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the pasta. Add the linguine and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of the hot cooking liquid with the cornstarch to form a thick slurry. Stir it into the pot and simmer for 1 minute.
Make it creamy. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the heavy cream.
Let it thicken. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes.
Serve. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Cubed chicken breasts topped with Old Bay seasoning before making Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast pieces tossed with Old Bay seasoning in a glass mixing bowl

Make Ahead

For the best texture, I recommend making Cajun Chicken Pasta shortly before you plan to serve it. Because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.

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To save time at dinner, you can prep several ingredients ahead. Cut the chicken into cubes, chop the onion and bell peppers, and measure the seasonings. Store the prepared ingredients separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Leftovers reheat well, so you can also prepare the complete dish ahead if needed. The sauce will become thicker as it sits, so you may need to loosen it slightly when reheating.

What to serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta

Since Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta already includes chicken, pasta, and vegetables, it can easily stand on its own as a complete dinner. If you’d like to round out the meal, keep the sides simple so they don’t compete with the flavorful sauce.

Garlic bread, breadsticks, or crusty bread would be great for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. A simple green salad also adds something cool and crisp alongside the warm pasta.

For more vegetables, try serving it with roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or another simply seasoned vegetable.

If You Enjoyed Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you love dinners with bold Louisiana-inspired flavor, try my One-Pot Chicken and Sausage Pastalaya. It’s another hearty one-pot meal and a natural next choice for anyone who enjoys Cajun Chicken Pasta.

For another easy pasta dinner with plenty of chicken, my Easy One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Pasta is a great option. It keeps the convenient one-pot approach while taking the flavors in a completely different direction.

If the creamy sauce is your favorite part, you’ll want to try Alfredo Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Pasta. It’s another comforting chicken pasta that makes an easy family dinner.

For something with a little more smoky heat, check out my Chipotle Chicken Pasta. The combination of chicken, pasta, and bold flavor makes it particularly good.

You can also make your own Homemade Cajun-Creole Seasoning. It’s an especially useful recipe if you want to experiment with the Cajun seasoning variation mentioned above.

And don’t forget something for that creamy sauce! My BEST Garlic Bread is an easy side to serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta and is perfect for scooping up any sauce left on the plate.

Close-up of creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, linguine, tomatoes, bell peppers, and parsley

📌 Save This Recipe

Save this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe so you have it handy the next time you need an easy weeknight dinner. It’s also a great recipe to save to your favorite Pinterest board for one-pot meals, chicken dinners, or easy pasta recipes.

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