Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese

Imagine bringing the vibrant flavors of Louisiana directly to your dinner table in just one pan and less than 30 minutes.

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese combines the soul-warming spices of traditional Cajun cuisine with the luxurious richness of cream cheese to create a dish that’s both elegant and effortless.

The succulent pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and velvety sauce studded with colorful bell peppers make this recipe a showstopper for any occasion.

When comfort food meets gourmet taste without complicated techniques, you’ve discovered the weeknight dinner solution you’ve been craving all along.

Why This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Works

This pasta dish has become a reader favorite for good reason. The combination of tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a velvety cream cheese sauce infused with Cajun spices creates a meal that satisfies on every level.

The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that perfectly balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning, resulting in a complex flavor profile that tastes like it took hours to develop.

Many Cajun pasta recipes call for heavy cream alone, but the addition of cream cheese in this version creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Plus, this entire dish cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delectable Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Creating the Flavorful Base

1. In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (this is where so much flavor lives!).

Cooking the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

1. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
2. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Fold in the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully incorporated into the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finishing Touches

1. Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps it melt seamlessly into the sauce without lumps.
• Adjust the spice level: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat intensity between brands. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more to taste.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Test it frequently as it approaches the recommended cooking time. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
• Save some pasta water: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
• Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Customization Options

This versatile dish welcomes many variations:

• Protein swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, andouille sausage, or make it vegetarian with mushrooms and extra bell peppers.
• Pasta options: Any medium-shaped pasta works well – try penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli make excellent additions.
• Make it lighter: Use Neufchâtel cheese (lower fat cream cheese) and replace some of the heavy cream with milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese has become a reader favorite because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

The combination of spicy, creamy, and savory elements creates a perfectly balanced dish that satisfies cravings for comfort food while still feeling special enough for a celebration.

The one-pan preparation makes it accessible even on busy weeknights, and the versatility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to your family’s preferences.

From the tender chicken to the silky sauce clinging to each piece of pasta, every bite offers a delightful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Try this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Cream Cheese tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.