Introduction

Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings a spicy twist to your dinner table. Tender chicken and penne pasta are cooked in a creamy, mildly spicy sauce with a hint of lemon and parmesan. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal that’s quick to make but full of bold, satisfying flavors.

A meal of pasta served in a round dark blue bowl sits on a wooden table with a white marbled texture. The pasta is penne, cooked and coated in a thick orange-red tomato sauce, with chunks of light brown chicken scattered on top. Fresh green parsley is sprinkled generously over the pasta, along with fine white shreds of cheese that add texture and contrast. In the background, another bowl with the same dish is slightly out of focus, along with a bright blue glass of water with ice, and a plate holding grated cheese with a grater. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

400g chicken breasts, chopped into large chunks

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated

2 tbsp Cajun-style seasoning

400g can chopped tomatoes or passata

1 chicken stock cube, crumbled

500g penne or another tube-shaped pasta

150ml double cream

20g parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to serve

½ lemon, juiced

Chopped parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season lightly, and fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden all over but not necessarily cooked through.

Step 2: Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir well to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes, a quarter of a can of water, and the crumbled chicken stock cube. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for one minute less than the package instructions indicate.

Step 5: Stir the double cream into the chicken sauce and continue to simmer gently. Drain the pasta well when cooked, then add it to the chicken mixture.

Step 6: Cook the pasta in the sauce over low heat for 2 minutes. Then stir in the parmesan and lemon juice, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 7: Serve the pasta straight from the pan or transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.

Use a mix of cream and milk to lighten the sauce without losing creaminess.

Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a delicious variation.

Freshly grated parmesan adds the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten. This will keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the chicken and sauce mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to one day. Reheat gently before adding the pasta and finishing the dish.

Dinner

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe