Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta is a bold yet comforting dinner made with seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. It comes together quickly, feels indulgent without being heavy, and works perfectly for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta or penne, rotini
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cajun Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup milk or cream optional, for thinning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup bell peppers sliced
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Lower heat slightly. Add garlic to the same skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and a splash of chicken broth or pasta water, stirring gently until smooth.
Combine
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add more broth, pasta water, or milk as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Finish and Serve
- Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let the pasta rest for 1–2 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
Notes
- Cajun seasoning varies in salt and heat—taste before adding more.
- For a cream-free version, skip milk and rely on pasta water.
- Add liquid gradually to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 35gFat: 24gFiber: 3g
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