Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

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This looks like a delicious dish! You’ve got creamy Cajun chicken pasta paired with a rich whipped roasted garlic feta sauce and crispy chickpeas for some extra crunch.

The Cajun chicken must have that spicy, smoky flavor, while the whipped feta will add a creamy, tangy element to balance it out. The chickpeas add both texture and flavor—crunchy on the outside and tender inside.

Are you making this yourself, or did you come across this recipe somewhere? Would love to know how it tastes!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas calls for a balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch—and the right tools will make that balance easy to achieve.

• Large Pot for Pasta – Ensures your spaghetti cooks evenly without sticking together.
• Non-stick or Cast Iron Skillet – Perfect for searing Cajun-seasoned chicken to get that golden crust without burning the spices.
• Baking Sheet – Allows chickpeas to roast evenly for maximum crispiness.
• Food Processor or Blender – Essential for achieving the ultra-smooth, fluffy texture of whipped roasted garlic feta.
• Mixing Bowls – Great for tossing chickpeas in oil and spices, and for prepping ingredients before cooking.
• Colander – For draining pasta efficiently while keeping it from overcooking.
• Tongs or Pasta Fork – Helps handle pasta and chicken without breaking them apart.

Having these tools ready before you begin keeps the cooking process smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on layering flavors instead of scrambling for equipment.

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Preparation Tips

1. Dry the Chickpeas Thoroughly – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so pat them dry with a towel before roasting.
2. Season in Stages – Season your chicken before cooking and add a little more Cajun spice at the end to refresh the flavor.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Aim for al dente since it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the sauce.
4. Whip the Feta Cold, Fold in Warm Garlic – This keeps the whipped cheese airy but still full of roasted garlic flavor.
5. Reserve Pasta Water – Adding a splash helps your sauce cling to the pasta for a silky finish.

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Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

For the Pasta & Chicken:

• 250g (about 9 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• 300g (about 10.5 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta:

• 150g (about 5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves roasted garlic (roast until soft and caramelized)
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for texture)

For the Crispy Chickpeas:

• 1 can (400g / 14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• A light sprinkle of paprika for color

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Step 1 – Prepare the Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Drain, rinse, and pat the chickpeas completely dry with a clean towel. In a mixing bowl, toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until golden and crispy.

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Step 2 – Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

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Step 3 – Cook the Cajun Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

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Step 4 – Make the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta

In a food processor or blender, combine feta, roasted garlic, Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), olive oil, and milk. Blend until smooth, creamy, and airy. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed.

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Step 5 – Assemble the Plate

Divide the pasta into bowls or plates. Top one portion with Cajun chicken, another with whipped roasted garlic feta, and add a generous scoop of crispy chickpeas. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of paprika for color. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

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Notes

• Adjust the Heat: Cajun seasoning can vary in spice level—taste yours first and add more gradually if you’re sensitive to heat.
• Texture Control: For an even creamier whipped feta, chill it before serving; for a softer, sauce-like texture, serve it right after blending.
• Balance the Plate: The dish already has bold flavors, so avoid over-salting. Remember, feta is naturally salty.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Skipping Chickpea Drying: If you skip patting the chickpeas dry, they’ll steam instead of crisp, losing that satisfying crunch.
2. Overcooking Chicken: Cajun seasoning burns quickly, so keep the heat moderate and don’t walk away from the pan.
3. Pasta Overcooking: Soft, mushy pasta will not hold the sauce well—stop at al dente.
4. Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps the whipped feta blend beautifully into the noodles without clumping.
5. Underseasoning the Pasta Water: Pasta absorbs flavor while cooking, so start seasoning right at the boil.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread – Buttery, crisp, and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
2. Simple Green Salad – A refreshing mix of lettuce, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
3. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred with a drizzle of olive oil for a smoky side.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the Cajun spice beautifully.
5. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic – Adds a dose of greens and a touch of earthiness.
6. Corn on the Cob – Boiled or grilled with a sprinkle of paprika to tie into the Cajun theme.
7. Chilled Cucumber & Tomato Salad – A cool, juicy counterbalance to the warm, spicy pasta.
8. Crusty Artisan Bread – Perfect for tearing and dipping into whipped feta.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta, chicken, whipped feta, and chickpeas in separate containers if possible to maintain their textures.
• Reheating: Warm the pasta and chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce. Chickpeas are best reheated in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispiness.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the whipped feta, as dairy tends to separate after thawing, but pasta and chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: ~750mg
• Sugar: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more roasted vegetables or double the crispy chickpeas for protein.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Spaghetti or linguine are classic, but penne or rigatoni also hold the sauce beautifully.

3. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely, but taste it first—some blends are saltier than others, so you may need to adjust.

4. How do I roast garlic without burning it?

Wrap it in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 180°C (350°F) for about 30–35 minutes until soft and caramelized.

5. Is the whipped feta supposed to be warm or cold?

It can be served either way—cold for a sharper tang or slightly warmed for a creamier texture.

6. How can I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning or mix it with paprika for a milder flavor.

7. What’s the best way to make chickpeas extra crispy?

Ensure they’re fully dry before roasting, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.

8. Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?

Yes—whip the feta and roast the chickpeas up to a day ahead, then cook the pasta and chicken fresh for best results.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas is a bold, comforting dish that layers smoky spice, tangy creaminess, and irresistible crunch in every bite. By prepping components smartly and using the right tools, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this recipe is a satisfying fusion of Southern-inspired spice and Mediterranean flair that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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