Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken

This spicy creamy Cajun chicken recipe brings bold cajun flavors into a rich tomato cream sauce, making it an easy and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that feels indulgent without a lot of fuss.

I first made this on a chilly evening when I craved something spicy and creamy, and now it’s a go-to that my family requests regularly. The ease of one-pan cooking also makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• Rigatoni or preferred pasta: Sturdy shape holds the sauce well, choose good quality pasta for best texture
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes: Provides acidity and depth to the creamy base, use a plain, unsweetened variety for balance
• Heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness to counter the spice
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness, freshly grated tastes best
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking, opt for fresh or high quality poultry
• Olive oil: For marinating and cooking, extra virgin varieties add flavor but use light olive oil for frying to prevent burning
• Cajun seasoning: The key to bold flavor, store bought works fine but homemade lets you adjust heat and salt
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth
• Onion and red bell pepper: Add sweetness and texture, pick fresh and firm vegetables
• Butter: Enriches the sauce and helps sauté the aromatics
• Chili flakes and fresh parsley: Optional garnishes for extra heat and freshness

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Combine the sliced chicken breasts with olive oil and cajun seasoning, toss to coat and let marinate briefly. Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil and cook the chicken two to three minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until just one minute shy of al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the rest to help thin and bind the sauce later.

Build the Sauce:

In the same skillet add butter, then reduce heat to medium low and sauté sliced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about three to five minutes. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook until slightly softened.

Combine Sauce Ingredients:

Pour in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, and more cajun seasoning. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for two to three minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish the Dish:

Add the cooked pasta and half of the sliced chicken into the sauce, stir to coat and simmer one to two minutes so everything melds. Stir in grated parmesan, taste for seasoning adjustments, plate and top portions with the remaining chicken. Garnish with chili flakes and fresh parsley if desired.

One of my favorite ingredients here is the cajun seasoning because it brings such a complex flavor without needing a long ingredient list. Whenever I make this for family gatherings, the spicy aroma always draws everyone into the kitchen before the meal even starts.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve creaminess without breaking the sauce, and avoid microwave reheating as it can alter texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use penne or fusilli if rigatoni is not available as they hold cream sauces well. Chicken thighs sliced thin can be used for juicier meat though cooking time may vary. Substitute half and half for heavy cream to lighten the dish with slightly less richness. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cajun seasoning or omit chili flakes in the garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty bread works perfectly for mopping up extra sauce, and a chilled glass of white wine or a light beer complements the spice nicely.

This spicy creamy Cajun chicken is quick to make and full of bold flavor. It’s a comforting weeknight meal that also works well for casual gatherings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

Marinate the chicken in olive oil and cajun seasoning for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance the bold flavors.

→ Which pasta works best with this dish?

Rigatoni is ideal as its ridges hold the creamy sauce well, but penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, adding cayenne or extra chili flakes will increase heat; reduce the cajun seasoning to make it milder.

→ What’s the best way to avoid the sauce becoming too thick?

Reserve pasta water and add gradually while simmering to control sauce consistency and keep it creamy.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for optimal freshness.