When I want a dinner that’s rich, spicy, and totally satisfying, I make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta with garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Tender strips of seasoned chicken are tossed with pasta in a velvety sauce made with garlic, butter, cream, and plenty of Parmesan. It’s indulgent, packed with flavor, and comes together in one pan—just the way I like it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish brings a kick of heat from the Cajun spices, balanced perfectly by the creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for a cozy dinner at home. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, the sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, and I always want seconds. Bonus: it’s easy to customize and even easier to love.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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Cajun seasoning
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Olive oil
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Butter
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Garlic (minced)
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
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Salt and black pepper
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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I season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, making sure it’s coated on all sides.
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I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and let it rest.
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In the same pan, I reduce the heat and add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
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I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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While the sauce simmers, I cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain it and reserve a bit of the pasta water.
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I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce, adding in the cooked pasta. I toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
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I finish it off with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time takes me around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 20 minutes, so the total time is just 30 minutes.
Variations
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I switch it up by using shrimp or a plant-based protein instead of chicken.
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For a veggie boost, I stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while the sauce simmers.
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If I want it even cheesier, I add shredded mozzarella or a handful of cream cheese.
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I’ve also made this with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat noodles with great results.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, either in a pan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. I don’t recommend freezing the cream sauce, as it can separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, I use a mild Cajun blend or reduce the amount. I also skip the red pepper flakes to keep it milder.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
I like fettuccine or penne—they hold the sauce well. But any pasta shape works, even linguine or rotini.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I’ve made the sauce and chicken ahead, then cooked fresh pasta and combined everything before serving—it works great.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
I’ve used half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cream cheese. Just keep in mind the sauce may be thinner.
How do I make it dairy-free?
I swap the cream and Parmesan for unsweetened dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan. The flavor is still delicious.
Conclusion
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta with garlic butter Parmesan sauce is one of those meals that brings bold flavor and comforting texture together in every bite. I love how fast it comes together, how rich the sauce is, and how easily I can tailor it to what I have on hand. It’s the kind of dish that always feels like a treat—and never lasts long on the table.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce: A Bold, Comforting Favorite
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce is a bold, one-pan dinner featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken and pasta tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with Parmesan. It’s spicy, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, etc.)
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
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Slice chicken and return to skillet with the sauce. Add pasta and toss to combine.
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Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
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Finish with red pepper flakes and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein.
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Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
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Make it cheesier with cream cheese or mozzarella.
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Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if needed.
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Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
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