Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken

This spicy creamy cajun chicken is a perfect weeknight meal that brings bold southern-inspired flavors to a luscious tomato cream sauce. It combines tender chicken with a kick of cajun spice, all tossed with rigatoni pasta for a comforting dish that feels both indulgent and vibrant. The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings without sacrificing any depth of flavor.

I first made this on a chilly night when I needed a dish that felt cozy yet exciting. Now it's on my regular rotation because it's a guaranteed crowd pleaser and simple to customize based on spice level.

Ingredients

• 7 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta: rigatoni’s tube shape holds the sauce well
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: provides tang and richness to the creamy base choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for best flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream: adds the luxurious smoothness that balances the spice
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: helps loosen the sauce and helps it adhere to the pasta perfectly
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: brings nutty, salty depth freshly grated recommended
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thin: cooks quickly and soaks up the cajun marinade
• 1 tbsp olive oil for marinating: coats chicken to help spices cling and keeps it juicy
• 1 1/2 tbsp cajun seasoning divided: the heart of the dish with smoky, spicy herbs and spices using a homemade blend can elevate the flavor
• 3 cloves garlic minced: aromatic and pungent, foundational for the sauce
• 1/2 onion sliced: adds natural sweetness and texture
• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced: brightens the dish and adds slight crunch
• 1 tbsp butter for sautéing aromatics: enriches flavor and creates a silky sauce texture
• Extra olive oil for frying: ensures chicken browns nicely without sticking
• Chili flakes optional: for adding extra heat as a garnish
• Fresh parsley optional: adds a fresh herbaceous note at the end

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. Let it rest while you prepare other ingredients. This marination step allows the chicken to absorb the spicy profile deeply.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook until just one minute before al dente. This ensures pasta finishes cooking later when simmered in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta and keep warm.

Brown the Chicken:

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning once. Aim for a golden brown crust and fully cooked tender interior. Remove half the chicken to a plate and keep warm for plating later.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions soften, building a flavorful base. Then add the sliced red bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes to bring out its sweetness but still retain a slight crunch.

Create the Sauce:

Pour in the tomato sauce along with the heavy cream and reserved pasta water into the skillet. Sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of cajun seasoning. Stir everything gently and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it has thickened slightly and all flavors meld beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Return half of the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta can soak up the sauce. Then stir in the grated parmesan cheese to add richness and a subtle salty bite. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Plate and Garnish:

Spoon the pasta and sauce onto plates, topping each serving with the reserved chicken pieces. Sprinkle chili flakes for extra heat if desired and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

I love the cajun seasoning in this dish because it brings warmth and depth without overpowering the creaminess. One of my favorite family moments with this recipe was making it together on a weekend and everyone debating how much chili flakes to add. The kids love it creamy while my husband likes it fiery which makes for a fun dinner table conversation every time.

Storage Tips

This dish stays best when refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. After about three days, the pasta may lose some texture but the flavors remain inviting. For freezing, portion the pasta and chicken separately if possible to avoid mushy pasta texture when thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use penne or fusilli pasta if rigatoni is not available and you want similar sauce hold. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier, more flavorful meat option but adjust cooking time accordingly. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make a dairy-free version with a touch of tropical sweetness. Store-bought cajun seasoning works well but a homemade blend lets you control salt and spice intensity easily.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this spicy creamy cajun chicken pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Serve with garlic bread or buttery rolls to mop up every bit of the sauce. A chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the bold flavors perfectly.

This spicy creamy cajun chicken pasta is fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Adjust the heat and sides to suit your family for an easy, satisfying meal.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Rigatoni is recommended, but any tubular pasta like penne or ziti will hold the creamy sauce well.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper to the sauce or sprinkle extra chili flakes when serving to increase the heat level.

→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, marinate and partially cook the chicken ahead, then gently reheat it with the sauce for optimal tenderness.

→ What is the purpose of reserving pasta water?

The starchy pasta water helps to thin out the sauce while improving its consistency and allowing it to coat the pasta evenly.

→ Are there suitable substitutions for cream?

Heavy cream is best for richness, but a full-fat coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative, altering the flavor slightly.