If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and flavour-packed meal, this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Pasta is sure to become a favourite! It’s a one-pot recipe, which means less washing up and maximum flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks together in one pan, so there’s minimal washing up.
- Customisable Heat – Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Creamy & Comforting – A rich, smooth sauce balances out the warming spices.
- Leftovers – This is a filling dish so expect to have some leftovers, it’s perfect for lunch the next day, either cold or heated up.
How To Make Cajun Chicken and Pasta (In One Pot)
This dish uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in the supermarket. The full recipe with detailed steps can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
What You Need
- Chicken Breasts – Diced for quicker cooking and coated in a Cajun marinade for extra flavour.
- Bell Peppers – I used red and green but any colour works.
- Garlic, Herbs and Seasoning – I used frozen chopped garlic for ease, plus oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
- Cajun Seasoning – The star of the dish. You can adjust it to your taste.
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well.
- Chicken Stock & Chopped Tomatoes – Create a rich base for the sauce.
- Cream or Crème Fraîche – Gives the dish its signature creamy finish.
- Parmesan & Fresh Basil – The perfect finishing touches.
Making It
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. First, coat the diced chicken in a Cajun spice and olive oil mix for extra flavour. If you have time, leave it to marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes, if not, it can be added straight to the pan.
Next, cook the chicken in a deep frying pan before adding in the bell peppers, garlic, and more Cajun seasoning for a boost of flavour. Once everything is sizzling and fragrant, pour in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and pasta. Let it simmer gently so the pasta absorbs all the delicious spices and sauce.
To bring it all together, stir in the cream (or crème fraîche) and Parmesan for a smooth, creamy texture. Finish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness, and it’s ready to serve!
I hope you enjoy this creamy cajun chicken and pasta recipe. Please do let me know in the comments what you think!
Are you looking for more one pot meals? Check out my Chicken Couscous Recipe with peppers, chilli and garlic.
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Pasta Recipe
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Liana’s Kitchen running.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts diced
- 2 bell peppers (any colour) sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt adjust if Cajun seasoning is salty
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 300 g pasta penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
- 500 ml chicken stock from a stock cube or fresh
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 150 ml cream or crème fraîche for a lighter option
- 50 g Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix 1 tbsp of olive oil with 1 tbsp of Cajun spice and pour over the chopped raw chicken, stirring so that everything is coated. If you have time leave to marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Stir in the peppers, garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. If anything gets stuck or burnt on to the base of the pan, pour a little of the hot stock in and deglaze.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and pasta. Stir well, making sure the pasta is as submerged as possible. If you need to add any more hot water you can, but not too much. The odd bit of pasta sticking out isn't a problem.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in the double cream (or crème fraîche) and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
- Stir in the fresh basil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an estimate.
Janis Hagger
Sunday 16th of March 2025
Can the leftovers be frozen
Janis Hagger
Sunday 16th of March 2025
This was quick and easy to do and it didn’t fail to please. The family loved it and said you can do this one again, so definitely a winner.
Alphonso
Friday 14th of March 2025
This looks right up my street. I will try it next week. The presentation and great pictures really convinced me!