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A close-up overhead shot shows a creamy bowl of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta with penne noodles, tender chicken pieces, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley, being lifted with a silver fork with a red handle.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Recipe

Bitty
A deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant Cajun spices, and a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal that's sure to impress!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch)
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp knife
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Pasta:

  • 1 pound 450g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini recommended)
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste, divided
  • Salt to taste, for pasta water and chicken
  • Black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 mixed bell peppers e.g., 1 red, 1 green, deseeded and chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth low sodium recommended
  • 8 ounces 226g full-fat cream cheese (cubed and softened)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish, optional
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water approximate, use as needed

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Important: Reserve about 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  • Prepare & Cook Chicken: Pat chicken cubes dry. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
    A diptych shows two stages of cooking Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta. The left side shows a black pan with diced red tomatoes, pieces of cooked chicken, and dollops of cream cheese and other creamy ingredients, with chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. The right side shows a black pan with cooked fettuccine pasta mixed with the cooked chicken and a creamy sauce, seasoned with red pepper flakes.
  • Sauté Vegetables: To the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil if needed. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  • Make Creamy Cajun Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add cubed, softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until fully melted and smooth. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste) and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
    A diptych shows two further stages of preparing Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta in a red and cream Dutch oven. The left side shows cooked penne pasta and chicken coated in a creamy sauce, ready for the next step. The right side shows the same mixture topped with melted white cheese, with a red spatula resting in the pot.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Combine & Serve: Add cooked pasta and cooked chicken (with any juices) to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything. Simmer for 1-2 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
    An overhead shot shows a white bowl filled with creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta. Penne noodles, tender chicken chunks, and diced red tomatoes are coated in a rich sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. A wooden spoon rests in the pasta.

Notes

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese, softened for best results.
Pasta Water: Don't skip reserving pasta water! It’s key for a silky sauce.
Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preference. Taste your blend before adding, as spice levels vary. For homemade seasoning, see blog post.
Variations:
Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp (cook quickly).
Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Keyword Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta