Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Rich, Spicy & Cozy Weeknight Dinner)

Sarah Smith
Dec 17, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy pasta topped with sliced, grilled chicken breast in a pan. Garnished with parsley and grated cheese. Appealing and delicious.

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of bold spice and cozy comfort. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken is seared until golden, then tossed with tender pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s indulgent without being heavy and comes together quickly — making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights or when you want something a little special without a lot of effort.

Serve it with Classic Caesar Salad or Broccoli Bacon Salad for a fresh contrast, and don’t forget some Best Homemade Italian Bread to soak up every drop of that creamy Cajun sauce.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy pasta coated in a bold Cajun-spiced sauce
Tender chicken adds hearty, satisfying protein
Rich, comforting flavor with just the right amount of heat
Perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or casual entertaining

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings)

Calories: 640

Protein: 38g

Carbohydrates: 52g

Fat: 32g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

FAQ

Is Cajun chicken pasta very spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat. Use less Cajun seasoning or a low-heat blend if you prefer it milder.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the best texture, but half-and-half will work. Whole milk is thinner and less rich.

What pasta works best?

Penne and fettuccine are favorites, but rotini or rigatoni also hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are all delicious additions.

Does this reheat well?

Yes — reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve hot with a crisp green salad, warm bread, or roasted vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with a simple side of garlic butter green beans or a light tomato salad.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor, rich creaminess, and cozy comfort all in one pan. It’s quick enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for guests, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your dinner rotation.