One Pan Creamy Sweet And Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Want dinner that’s sweet, spicy, and creamy? This Cajun chicken pasta does it all—in just one pan!

You get juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce with a hint of heat and honey. Every bite is bold, cozy, and full of flavor.

Perfect for busy nights, comfort food cravings, or when you want something fun and different. One pan. Easy cleanup. Big taste.

Grab your skillet and pasta—let’s cook up this creamy Cajun dream today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet — fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
• Sweet + Spicy Balance: The Cajun heat gets mellowed out by a creamy, subtly sweet finish.
• Flavor-Packed: Homemade Cajun seasoning and seared chicken create deep, layered flavors.
• Ready in About 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing quality.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Picky eaters and spice lovers alike find something to love in this dish.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: Serves 4–6
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners; flavorful enough for seasoned home cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Tongs
• Grater (optional, for cheese garnish)

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to bring the heat, the cream, and the comfort:

For the Cajun Seasoning:

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pasta:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• ½ lb penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Variations for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken for a twist.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and olive oil instead of butter.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well without disrupting the flavor.
• Up the Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese.
• Control the Heat: Adjust cayenne and paprika to make it milder or hotter based on preference.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

1. Mix Your Cajun Seasoning

In a small bowl, stir together smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Set aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Rub the sliced chicken breast with about half of your Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion for about 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

4. Deglaze and Add the Base

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet (that’s flavor!).
Add the uncooked penne and chicken broth. Stir well.

5. Simmer the Pasta

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Stir in Creaminess

Add cream cheese and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Return the chicken to the pan and let it warm through for 2–3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving. Optional: top with freshly grated Parmesan.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can level it up with:

• Side Salad: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the spice.
• Toasted Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is great for scooping up sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
• Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or sharp white cheddar enhances creaminess.

Storing Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Evenly: Slice chicken into even-sized strips for uniform cooking.
• Watch the Heat: Cajun seasoning can vary—taste and adjust before adding more.
• Use Fresh Aromatics: Onion and garlic give the base depth—don’t skip them.
• Stir Pasta Frequently: To prevent sticking, especially near the end of cooking.
• Finish with Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~480
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	~600mg

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients.)

Cajun Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook the chicken and prep the seasoning a day ahead. Reheat gently with a bit of broth to revive the sauce.

Is this too spicy for kids?
You can reduce the cayenne or skip it altogether for a milder version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, fusilli, or bow tie pasta all work well.

What’s the best substitute for cream cheese?
You can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with bold flavor and easy cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies without demanding much — quick to make, loaded with flavor, and always a hit on the dinner table. Whether you’re craving something cozy, a little spicy, or perfectly creamy, this recipe checks every box.