When I’m craving something rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying, I turn to this spicy Cajun chicken fettuccine in creamy garlic sauce. It’s a flavorful pasta dish with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess—tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fettuccine pasta, and a velvety garlic sauce all come together in one unforgettable meal. This is comfort food with a kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour, right from my own kitchen. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a bold, smoky edge, and the creamy garlic sauce wraps around every strand of fettuccine with richness and just the right amount of spice. It’s the kind of pasta dinner that leaves me completely satisfied—and reaching for seconds.
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
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Cajun seasoning
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Olive oil
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Fettuccine pasta
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Butter
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Garlic (minced)
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Heavy cream
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Chicken broth
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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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 start by seasoning the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning.
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I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
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While the chicken cooks, I boil the fettuccine in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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I add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
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I stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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I toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
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I top with the sliced Cajun chicken and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time takes me about 15 minutes, and cook time is around 25 minutes. I have it ready to serve in about 40 minutes total.
Variations
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I switch the chicken for shrimp or salmon when I want a seafood version.
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For a smokier flavor, I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
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If I want it lighter, I use half-and-half instead of cream.
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I sometimes add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I don’t freeze this dish because the cream sauce can separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, I adjust the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.
What’s the best substitute for fettuccine?
I’ve used linguine, penne, or tagliatelle when I’m out of fettuccine, and they all work well.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I’ve used leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken—just heat it in the sauce before serving.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
I let it simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan cheese for a thicker, creamier texture.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I portion it into containers and reheat throughout the week with no problem.
Conclusion
Spicy Cajun chicken fettuccine in creamy garlic sauce is one of those dishes I keep in rotation—it’s easy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for family or just treating myself to a cozy pasta night, this recipe always delivers bold taste and creamy comfort in every bite.
Print
Spicy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Bold and Comforting Pasta Night Favorite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a bold, comforting pasta dish made with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fettuccine, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a pasta night with flair, this recipe delivers heat, depth, and creamy indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest, then slice.
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Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside (reserve some pasta water).
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Toss in cooked fettuccine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Top with sliced chicken. Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Add smoked paprika to the sauce for deeper flavor.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added veggies.
- Adjust heat level by controlling the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
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