Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Ready to bring a bit of Southern flair to your dinner table? This Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its creamy sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and a kick of Cajun spice, it’s a delightful twist on classic pasta.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Cajun flavors that excite your taste buds.
  • Quick and easy — on the table in under an hour.
  • A great way to use simple ingredients for a gourmet feel.
  • Perfect for spice lovers looking for something new.
  • Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a family meal.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Ingredients Explained

The star of this dish is the chicken breast, which is sliced thinly to ensure quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption. You'll need a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers for a colorful, sweet crunch that balances the heat. The garlic adds depth, while the heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce. Parmesan cheese is there for its savory kick and creamy texture. Fettuccine pasta is the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce. Finally, the Cajun seasoning is key for that signature spice, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the dish right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you love extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
  • To save time, prep the bell peppers and garlic while the pasta is cooking.
  • If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.

Detailed Instructions

First, get your pasta going. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside. This gives you time to focus on the main event. While the water was boiling, you could prep the rest of the ingredients to save time.

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced chicken breast. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is nicely golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it nearby — it’ll make a comeback soon.

Using the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), toss in your bell peppers and garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. You’re looking for them to be tender but still vibrant.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce starts to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon beautifully.

Now, toss the cooked fettuccine and the chicken back into the skillet. Give everything a good mix so the pasta is well-coated in that luxurious sauce. Once everything is heated through, you’re ready to serve.

Simplified Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken slices and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly golden; remove from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
8. Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken back to the skillet; toss to coat in the sauce.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread on the side would also complement the flavors nicely, providing a satisfying crunch and helping scoop up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or linguine would work well if you don’t have fettuccine on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend.
Can this be made ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!