Creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a vibrant fusion of spicy Cajun seasonings, savory pancetta, and tender chicken, all coated with a rich and silky Parmesan cream sauce. The combination offers a spicy kick and layers of flavor that comes across in every forkful. From the crispy pancetta to the tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s a magical dish that will leave everyone looking forward to the next time you make it.
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. You can even customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple green salad or warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce.
Tips
- Because the pancetta adds salty flavor, wait until the end of cooking to add salt.
- Make sure the pasta is cooked to al dente or slightly under that. It will cook a bit more when it’s added to the sauce.
Recipe Variations
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor. After the pancetta and chicken are cooked, add about 4 to 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pan with a little butter or oil as needed. Cook until their liquids have evaporated and then add the garlic and continue with the recipe.
Holy Trinity Veggies: Diced green bell peppers, onions, and celery are known as the “holy trinity” of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Sauté about 1/2 cup of each vegetable in 1 tablespoon of oil after browning the pancetta and chicken. Add the garlic and continue with the recipe.
Spinach: Add a handful of baby spinach to the pot when you add the Parmesan cheese. It will wilt and add a pop of color to the dish.
Protein: Replace the pancetta with about 8 ounces of sliced andouille sausage. Brown the sausage and remove it to a plate until step 5.
What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Bread: Since it combines Italian and Southern cuisines, many options exist. Choose a crusty baguette, dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread.
Salad: Coleslaw would complement the creamy pasta beautifully, or choose a more elegant Caesar salad.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 days.
To reheat, transfer leftover pasta and sauce to a skillet or saucepan with a splash of broth or extra cream to loosen it up.
PrintCreamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (linguine, penne, or fettuccine)
2 to 3 ounces diced pancetta (or bacon)
1 pound diced chicken breast
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (preferably salt-free)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons grated garlic
1/4 cup chicken broth (unsalted or low sodium)
3/4 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup Parm plus more for garnish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water—about 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of water—to a boil.
- Cook the pancetta until crispy in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Place the skillet back over medium heat. Add a few teaspoons of oil if necessary. Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning and pepper flakes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until just al dente. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cream and bring to a simmer; reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly reduced.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce has thickened slightly. Return the chicken and pancetta to the skillet and stir. Add the cooked pasta, tossing it to coat it thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water or more cream or broth. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Credit: Diana Rattray
Equipment
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