Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella

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There’s something about the combination of bold Cajun spices and silky, creamy pasta that never fails to hit the spot. I’ve made this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella more times than I can count — and it never disappoints. The juicy, spiced chicken packs just the right amount of heat, perfectly balanced by a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s comfort food with a little kick, and it always brings the “wow” factor to the dinner table.

I love how this dish delivers so much flavor without being complicated. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a weeknight or trying to impress guests on the weekend, this pasta never fails. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels like something you’d order from a fancy bistro — yet it comes together in under an hour right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Bold and flavorful: The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky-spicy edge that’s perfectly mellowed by the creamy cheese sauce.
• Easy to customize: From spice level to pasta shape, you can tweak it to your liking.
• Cheesy and satisfying: With parmesan, garlic, and mozzarella all in one sauce, it’s seriously indulgent.
• One-pan magic: You’ll only need a couple of pans to bring this whole dish together.
• Restaurant-quality at home: It tastes like something you’d order at a top-notch restaurant — and you made it yourself.

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What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

For this dish, I always go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly, slice beautifully, and soak up the Cajun seasoning like a dream. If you prefer a juicier, slightly richer bite, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative — just make sure to trim off excess fat. Grilled chicken works great too, especially if you want a bit of smokiness layered into the dish. No matter what cut you choose, the key is seasoning it generously and cooking it to perfection — that’s where all the flavor begins.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or want to tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences, here are a few smart swaps:

• Chicken → Use shrimp, tofu, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a meatless version.
• Penne pasta → Substitute with fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.
• Heavy cream → Swap with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Mozzarella → Try provolone, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can give you a similar umami hit.
• Cajun seasoning → Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in building layers of flavor and comfort — here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The protein hero of the dish. They’re lean, cook quickly, and take on the Cajun spice beautifully.
• Cajun seasoning – Brings the heat and smokiness. This bold blend is the heart of the dish’s flavor.
• Olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and add richness while keeping it juicy.
• Butter – Adds depth and silky richness to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic infuses the cream sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
• Heavy cream – The base of the luscious sauce, bringing that creamy, indulgent texture.
• Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce slightly and adds a savory backbone.
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded) – For a stretchy, creamy finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (grated) – Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and that signature cheesy flavor.
• Penne pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully in its ridges; sturdy and satisfying.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (chopped) – A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden-brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

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Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the pasta can absorb some of that cheesy goodness. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce gets too thick.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken into thick strips and layer over the creamy pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you’d like. Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite.

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How Long to Cook Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This dish comes together surprisingly quickly — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.

• Pasta: 8–10 minutes (al dente, depending on the brand)
• Chicken: 10–12 minutes (5–6 minutes per side)
• Sauce: 6–8 minutes total
• Final assembly and simmer: 2–3 minutes

Total active cooking time: about 30–35 minutes

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Pound the chicken breasts for even thickness before cooking — this helps them cook faster and more evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. If needed, cook in batches to get that golden crust.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged; it melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce.
• Simmer the sauce gently — high heat can break the cream or cause it to curdle.
• Taste as you go — Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness and heat, so adjust accordingly.
• Reserve a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce when mixing with the pasta.
• Slice chicken after it rests for a few minutes — this keeps it juicy and flavorful.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, a few missteps can throw off the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the chicken – Cajun seasoning can darken quickly, but don’t confuse that with doneness. Use a meat thermometer if needed (165°F internal temp).
• Adding cheese to boiling sauce – If the cream is too hot when you add cheese, it might clump instead of melting smoothly.
• Undersalting the pasta water – It should taste like the sea; otherwise, the pasta will taste flat no matter how good the sauce is.
• Skipping the resting time for chicken – Cutting it too soon can cause juices to run out, leaving it dry.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – It has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can ruin your sauce texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

This dish is rich and filling, so you want to serve it with lighter, refreshing sides or something that complements the spice.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp, buttery green beans with a touch of garlic bring freshness and crunch to balance the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

A chilled romaine salad with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan keeps things crisp and zesty.

Warm Crusty Bread

Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce — a slice of toasted sourdough or garlic bread goes a long way.

Cucumber-Tomato Salad

A light, tangy salad with red onion, vinegar, and fresh herbs cools the palate between spicy bites.

Glass of Chardonnay or Sparkling Water

The creaminess of the pasta pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine or something bubbly and refreshing.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

Tossed with olive oil and sea salt, roasted veggies bring earthiness and a bit of char to the table.

Cajun-Spiced Breadsticks

If you’re in the mood for more spice, make breadsticks with a dusting of Cajun seasoning and melted cheese.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this creamy Cajun chicken pasta reheat surprisingly well — just follow a few tips to keep it delicious.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Let it cool slightly before sealing.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too — use short bursts and stir often.
• Freeze: Not ideal, as the creamy sauce can separate. If you must freeze it, do so in individual portions and reheat slowly while stirring in a little cream to help it come back together.
• Tip: Keep the chicken separate if possible when storing, so it doesn’t get rubbery during reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 650–720 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keep in mind that exact nutrition will vary based on the type of pasta and cheese used, as well as the portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. It’s customizable and just as flavorful.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great—just slice or shred it and toss it into the sauce toward the end to warm through.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a kick, but it’s not overly hot. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using a mild blend.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite dairy-free cheeses. The texture will be slightly different but still rich and satisfying.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne is ideal, but rotini, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta hold the sauce well. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair, which may overcook quickly.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes can be sautéed and mixed in for extra texture and nutrients.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or slice it open to check that it’s no longer pink in the center.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce a day in advance. Just reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta before serving for the best texture.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Parmesan, Garlic, and Mozzarella is one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off. It brings together bold seasoning, tender chicken, rich cream, and melty cheese for a comforting yet exciting meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, with all the options for substitutions, it’s easy to make it your own.

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