Creamy Cajun Pasta in 30 minutes? Yes, please! This one-pot wonder with chicken and bell peppers is the perfect quick weeknight Cajun pasta dinner when you want big flavor without a sink full of dishes. Packed with tender chicken, smoky-spicy Cajun spices, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s an easy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that delivers comfort and zing in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This creamy Cajun pasta is bursting with bold Cajun flavors yet comes together in just 30 minutes. Busy day? No problem—one pot means minimal cleanup. Plus, the combination of juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, and pasta swirled in a spicy, creamy sauce will make this dish an instant family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Pasta
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Tender Chicken Chunks: 1 pound (450 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into juicy, bite-sized morsels for perfect flavor in every bite.
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tablespoon (8 g), or to taste (use a store-bought Cajun spice mix or homemade)
- Bell peppers: 2 medium bell peppers (e.g. 1 red and 1 green), sliced (about 2½–3 cups / 250–300 g)
- Onion: 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup / 100 g)
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- Pasta: 12 ounces (340 g) penne pasta, uncooked (about 3 cups dry)
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / ~400 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
- Cream cheese: 6 ounces (170 g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- Salt & black pepper: to taste (you’ll add these at the end as needed)
- Garnish (optional): ¼ cup grated Parmesan (25 g) and fresh parsley or sliced green onions for serving
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Peppers
1. Creamy Cajun Pasta – Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over them. Sauté the chicken for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
2. Add vegetables
Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers start to soften and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (stir to prevent burning the garlic).
3. Add pasta and liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the diced tomatoes along with all their rich, tangy juices. Give the mixture a good stir, gently loosening any caramelized bits clinging to the bottom of the pot—those are pure flavor gold. Add the penne pasta, pressing it down so it’s nestled beneath the liquid, ready to soak up every drop of goodness as it cooks.
4. Simmer until pasta is tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid (ajar) or foil. Let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. Simmer gently until the penne reaches a perfect al dente bite and the liquid transforms into a rich, velvety sauce that clings to each piece.
5. Make it creamy
Turn the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy. If the sauce looks a bit thin, don’t worry — it will thicken slightly as it stands for a couple of minutes.
6. Season and adjust
Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper as needed (the Cajun seasoning and broth contain salt, so seasoning at the end ensures it’s just right). If you want it spicier, you can sprinkle a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes now.
7. Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley or green onions and give it a quick stir. Serve the creamy Cajun pasta hot, topped with a little grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Creamy Cajun Pasta – Adjust the Spice Level
This dish is meant to have a kick of heat. For a milder, family-friendly pasta, use a mild Cajun seasoning or simply reduce the Cajun spice (start with 2 teaspoons instead of a full tablespoon). Prefer it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to turn this into a truly spicy, creamy Cajun pasta for busy nights when you need an extra kick.
Creamy Cajun Pasta – Protein Swaps
Cajun pasta is very versatile. Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp (add them in the last 5 minutes of simmering, since shrimp cook fast) or slice up some smoky andouille sausage and brown it at the start. If using shrimp, it creates an easy one-pot Cajun shrimp pasta variation – just as quick and flavorful. You can even do a mix of chicken and shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
Creamy Cajun Pasta – Make It Vegetarian
To turn this into a Cajun pasta recipe with vegetables only, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies. You can toss in sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli florets for extra heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The bell peppers already make it a one-pot Cajun pasta with bell peppers, but feel free to incorporate other favorites like spinach (stir in at the end so it just wilts) or add a can of chickpeas for a hearty, protein-packed twist.
No Cajun seasoning on hand?
No problem! You can make a quick homemade Cajun spice blend with common pantry spices. For example, combine 2 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, ¼ tsp cayenne, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Use about 2–3 teaspoons of this blend (plus salt to taste) in place of the Cajun seasoning. This DIY mix will give you that classic Cajun flair.
Heavy cream vs. cream cheese
We chose cream cheese to create an ultra-creamy sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. If you prefer, swap in about ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream instead—just let it simmer for a few minutes at the end so it thickens beautifully. (When using cream, you might want to reduce the broth to 3½ cups instead of 4 for a richer, thicker finish.) For an extra touch of indulgence, fold in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan, or swirl in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving for a final creamy flourish.
Pasta alternatives:
Penne holds the sauce well, but other short pastas like fusilli, rotini or farfalle work too. If you try a different shape, you may need to adjust the liquid and simmer time slightly (for example, smaller pasta may cook faster and need a bit less liquid). It’s best to avoid long noodles here, as they can clump and not cook evenly in a one-pot method.
Serving Suggestions (and Seasonal Tips)
This creamy one-pot Cajun pasta is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also welcomes some tasty sides or toppings.
Northern Hemisphere (Summer):
In warmer months, you might prefer lighter sides. A crisp green salad or a cool side like our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is perfect for a light, fresh side dish pairing that balances the spicy richness of the pasta. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the pasta can also add a summer-bright touch.
Southern Hemisphere (Winter):
During cooler months, or for those enjoying this recipe in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, consider warming sides. Serve the Cajun pasta alongside warm crusty bread or buttery garlic bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious, creamy sauce. A bowl of cozy soup or roasted vegetables on the side can make it an even more filling cold-weather meal.
Year-round ideas:
No matter the season, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or chopped green onions on top for garnish. A side of coleslaw or steamed greens works anytime, adding crunch or contrast to the creamy Cajun chicken pasta. And if you want a true Louisiana-inspired pairing, serve with a piece of cornbread or a classic Caesar salad.
Storage and Reheating
Storing leftovers:
Let any leftover creamy Cajun pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making for delicious leftovers!
Reheating:
The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of water, milk, or broth when reheating to loosen it up. Reheat gently in the microwave (in 30-second bursts, stirring in between) or warm it in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid overheating, as the sauce could break or the pasta might get too soft.
Freezing:
Creamy pastas generally don’t freeze perfectly because dairy sauces can separate, and pasta can become mushy. If you need to freeze it, you can — just be aware the texture may change. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently over low heat, stirring often to bring back its creamy, velvety texture. For best results though, try to enjoy this pasta fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
Healthier Creamy Cajun Pasta Tips & Nutrition Resources
If you’d like to make your Creamy Cajun Pasta a bit lighter, try using whole wheat pasta, extra vegetables, and reduced-fat cream cheese. Adding fiber-rich veggies like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrients while keeping it satisfying. For more healthy pasta inspiration, check out the American Heart Association’s healthy cooking tips and the Harvard School of Public Health’s guide to healthy carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this one-pot Cajun pasta?
Absolutely. Short pasta shapes work best for one-pot recipes. You can swap in rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or shells for this creamy Cajun pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time – smaller pasta may cook a bit faster. If you use a different pasta, ensure there’s enough liquid for it to cook (add an extra splash of broth if needed) and stir frequently. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, because they might not cook evenly in the one-pot method.
How can I make this Cajun pasta less spicy for my family?
If you’re worried about heat, simply use less Cajun seasoning to begin with (or choose a mild Cajun or Creole seasoning blend). You can also omit any extra cayenne or chili flakes. For extra insurance, stir in a little more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end – the dairy helps mellow the spice, resulting in a more mild, creamy Cajun pasta that even kids can enjoy. Serving it with a dollop of sour cream or alongside milk can also help tone down the spice for sensitive palates.
Can I add other vegetables to this Cajun chicken pasta?
Definitely! This Cajun chicken pasta recipe already includes bell peppers, but you can pack in more veggies. Mushrooms, diced zucchini, or spinach would be great additions. If adding harder veggies like broccoli or carrots, chop them small and add them along with the bell peppers so they have time to soften. Softer veggies (like spinach or peas) can be stirred in near the end, just until they wilt or warm through. It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
Can I double this recipe to feed a larger family?
You can! Simply double all the ingredients. Use a very large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate the extra volume. The cooking method remains the same, though it may take a few extra minutes to come to a boil. Stir a bit more frequently to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick, since a bigger batch of creamy Cajun pasta might be starchier. Also, taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as you might need a touch more Cajun seasoning or salt for a larger quantity. The recipe should yield about 8 servings when doubled.
How can I make a lighter version of this Cajun pasta?
To lighten it up, you can make a few tweaks. Use light cream cheese or replace the cream cheese with an equal amount of evaporated milk or half-and-half (it will still be creamy but with less fat). Load up on extra vegetables (like additional bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower) and slightly reduce the amount of pasta and chicken – this way each serving has more veggies relative to the heavier ingredients. You can also use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Keep in mind, using lighter dairy might result in a slightly thinner sauce, but the flavor will still be delicious. It’s still a quick weeknight Cajun pasta dinner, just a bit friendlier on the calories!
Craving more easy dinners? You’ll love our Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice for another quick, flavorful dinner idea. Happy cooking!
