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This simple Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is made in 30 minutes and uses just one pot. It’s the perfect quick-cooking pasta that’s great for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends too. Every bite is layered with spicy flavor, bell peppers, crispy chicken, the absolute best creamy parmesan sauce (made on the lighter side), and finished with fresh basil.

overhead photo of Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If there was one pasta to make this week, this is it. Hands downs, one of my favorites. And for two reasons. First, this is so, so, so easy to make. Simply boil the pasta, sear the chicken, make the sauce, and toss!.

Simple, simple.

And second? There is so much flavor. Mostly thanks to a good spoonful of my homemade cajun seasoning blend…it’s delicious.

And really all I have to say is that I wish I would have put this one together sooner, it’s soo delicious and so easy. A great new addition to your recipe rotation!

prep photo of dry pasta in bowl before cooking

The Process

As you might guess, this is pretty simple and straightforward. But I gave it some get-up-and-go with the addition of my cajun seasoning blend.

Start with the pasta. For this particular recipe, I like to boil and drain the pasta first.

While the pasta is boiling, start prepping. Chop the chicken, prep the bell peppers, and grab some herbs. The idea is that by the time the pasta is finished boiling, all the other prep work will be complete.

Once you drain the pasta, move on to the chicken. Toss it with a little cajun seasoning, then cook it until it’s just crisp.

prep photo of homemade cajun seasoning blend

Now that sauce…

First, you’ll need to cook up some onions, peppers, garlic, herbs, and a touch more cajun seasoning. Then add a splash of chicken broth, milk, and plenty of parmesan. Next comes the ingredient that keeps the sauce creamy without adding any additional cream or butter…the tiniest amount of cream cheese.

I know cream cheese isn’t typical, but  I swear it creates a silky smooth sauce every time. And a little goes a long way. Trust me, it really does the trick!

Once the sauce comes together, toss in the pasta, and add the chicken back in. And that’s it! Top with additional parmesan and lots of fresh basil and thyme.

Yummm!

overhead close up photo of Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe is all about the sauce and that spicy cajun chicken. The sauce is slightly spicy, herby, and ever so creamy. It’s my favorite combo. And the chicken? It’s a game-changer, tender and delicious, and just perfectly seasoned and spicy! SO GOOD in this creamy pasta.

This is the perfect dish for livening up an average Wednesday night. Or maybe save it for a Friday night. Either way, everyone loves this simple, creamy pasta!

overhead photo of Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Looking for other quick pasta recipes? Here are a few…

Jammy Cherry Tomato Pasta with Crisp Lemon Rosemary Chickpeas

Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs

Lastly, if you make this Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 467 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
    2. In the same pot set over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the onion, chicken, and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning. Cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Spoon the chicken onto a plate.
    3. To the pot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, the bell peppers, and garlic. Cook another 5 minutes until the peppers are soft. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons cajun seasoning. Add a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute, until the spices are fragrant, then pour in the broth and milk. Add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes, until thickened slightly.
    4. Stir in the parmesan. Then toss in the pasta and chicken and cook 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Serve immediately topped with additional basil. Enjoy!

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup. 
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Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this for the first time last night for dinner. My family loved it! Definitely will add this in our dinner rotation. Thank you!

  2. Hi Tiegan, do you think this recipe would be ok if I omit the bell peppers?
    Love all your recipes my family are so happy since I discovered your web page!

    1. Hey Linda,
      Yes, that would be just fine for you to do! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan

      1. I finally gave this recipe a try and it turned out amazing! Even my son who is a tough critic and isn’t the biggest fan of pasta dishes gave it the thumbs up! I ended up including the bell peppers but I chopped them finely so that my son wouldn’t notice them as much. It was a great success. Thanks so much for creating this amazing web page and for all your recipes and stories!

        1. Hey Linda,
          Happy Sunday!! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan

    1. Hey there,
      Sure, that would be a great idea! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan

    1. Hey Laura,
      Sure, that will work well for you. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan

  3. Followed the recipe pretty much exactly and it was a hit! Omitted the red pepper flakes and used Kroger brand Cajun seasoning and the dish was toddler approved 🙂 I see comments saying the sauce doesn’t thicken but it did for me! Trust the process I think. It thickened more after I took it off the heat. If money or accessibility is an issue, the pasta is just as yummy without fresh basil.

    Thanks for sharing this recipe! 🙂

    1. Hey Hope,
      Happy Friday! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan

  4. My family and I loved this pasta dish! So creamy without any heavy cream! I cooked it down for about 7 minutes and it was perfect; although had I followed the recipe as written and cooked it for 5 minutes, it would have been a little saucier which would be better for the leftovers…my bad. It makes a lot with 1 lb of pasta so I added some more chicken because I love leftovers. Will 100% make this again! Thanks for sharing another great recipe!

    1. Hey Samantha,
      Awesome! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! Have the best weekend❄️ xTieghan

  5. 5 stars
    One of my favorite recipes to make. I can’t figure out how you get yours such a nice orange color. I’ve doubled the amount of Cajun seasoning and it still stays pretty bland colored. Any tips are welcome!

    1. Hi Nicole,
      Wonderful! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Typically the longer it sits, the darker it gets. xTieghan

      1. Thanks so much for the tip! Making it again tonight, I’ll give that a shot 🙂 might try going a little heavier with the paprika too! Thanks for so many great recipes

  6. 5 stars
    So much great flavor! I doubled the cream cheese and added a half cup of buttermilk because I know my palate is a bit sensitive to spice. I will absolutely make this again.

    1. Hey Em,
      Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed. Have a great Saturday! xTieghan

  7. 5 stars
    I’m always amazed how delicious this recipe is! It’s so simple. It’s one of my stepson’s favorite meals. We enjoyed it as an even larger family tonight. YUM!

  8. 4 stars
    Was definitely an easy and fun dish!
    I used a 1/2 cup of heavy cream instead of milk, and mixed in another 1/2 cup of chicken broth. I did let it simmer for about 10 minutes rather than 5. Sauce then came out as the perfect consistency!

  9. 5 stars
    This was lunch today (lefovers for lunch tomorrow). Made it vegetarian and added more veggies (zucchini, spinach). It was delicious ! Will be added to our lunch rotation 🙂