Spicy Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of tender blackened chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, and pasta, creating a delicious comfort dish that comes together in a flash.
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We love spicy food in my house, so we're always cooking up Cajun and Creole food or just kicking up our classic Southern dishes with some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of pasta, so a Spicy Chicken Pasta is always a hit in my family! For those that are only wanting the pasta, we have a Spicy Cajun Pasta Recipe that's perfect for you.
For this recipe, we used two different recipes that our readers love. The first is a blackened seasoning. We've used this spice mix in lots of our recipes like Blackened Pork Chops, Blackened Baked Salmon, and even Blackened Corn!
Today we'll be using it to cook Blackened Chicken in a skillet for a quick and easy way to add protein to this pasta dish.
The other reader favorite we're using here is our Cajun Cream Sauce. This sauce is delicious on fish, chicken, pasta- really anything! We'll be kicking it up with a tad extra cayenne pepper to give you the best Spicy Chicken Pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Explosion of Flavors: The Spicy Chicken Pasta offers a delightful burst of flavors, from the bold kick of blackened chicken to the creamy richness of the pasta sauce with Cajun spice.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of 15-20 minutes and a cook time of 15-20 minutes, it's a quick and easy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Spice Level: Tailor the spiciness to your liking with the adjustable heat from the homemade blackened seasoning and the optional cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers Galore: This is a great recipe for leftovers, since this dish is just as good (or better!) the next day.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Serve as the main protein, providing a lean and versatile base for the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Blackened seasoning: This blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, brings a bold and spicy flavor to the dish. You can make your own blackened seasoning, or use a store-bought brand.
- Cayenne pepper: Elevates the heat level, adding an extra kick to the overall spiciness of the dish.
- Pasta: You can use whatever kind of pasta you prefer. We love penne pasta, fettuccine, and linguini in this dish!
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: Used to cook the chicken, ensuring it's tender and flavorful.
- Cajun cream sauce: Made with dry white wine, half and half, pan drippings from cooking the chicken, all-purpose flour, Cajun or Creole seasoning, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice.
Check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts and coat them generously with the Blackened seasoning.
- We want these chicken breasts to cook evenly, so grab a meat mallet and give them a good pounding between sheets of plastic wrap. Aim for an even thickness of about half an inch.
- Heat up a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil. Once it's sizzling, cook the chicken for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Set them aside to rest for a while before slicing.
- Deglaze the pan you used for the chicken with some dry white wine.
- In a bowl, whisk together half and half, all-purpose flour, Cajun or Creole seasoning, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This is our secret mix for a flavorful, creamy sauce.
- Pour that mixture into the skillet with the white wine and pan drippings. Stir it up over medium heat until it thickens. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Boil your pasta of choice according to package directions until it's al dente. In a large serving dish, toss your cooked pasta with the Cajun Cream Sauce.
- Now you can choose to slice the chicken and serve it on top of the pasta or to cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the pasta and the delicious sauce- it's perfect either way!
Expert Tips
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures uniform cooking and a juicy result.
- Experiment with the amount of blackening seasoning and cayenne pepper to tailor the spiciness to your liking. Start with a little heat and add more if you're feeling adventurous.
- For best results, allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- When boiling pasta, don't forget to add salt to the water. It flavors the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook pasta until al dente, so it has a bit of bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the delicious cream sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a totally different meal the family will love just as much.
- Low Carb Spicy Chicken Pasta: Sub the pasta for baked spaghetti squash for a low carb option that is just as satisfying.
- Spicy Chicken Broccoli Pasta: Toss in some blanched broccoli florets to add vegetables to your meal.
- Cajun Pasta with Vegetables: Add in some sauteed bell peppers and yellow onion for a dish with even more Cajun flair.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. The Spicy Chicken Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freezing a cream-based sauce can cause texture issues when it is thawed and reheated, so we don't recommend freezing this dish.
Reheating: Gently reheat the creamy pasta on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30 second increments. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the right texture.
Serving Suggestions
We love this spicy chicken pasta as is, but it's also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top.
Serve it with a crusty garlic bread, a side salad with Cajun salad dressing, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape or use whole wheat or gluten-free options if you prefer. The key is to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Certainly! If you have a favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning, go ahead and use that instead. It's a convenient way to add flavor to your creamy Cajun chicken pasta without the need for individual spices.
Yes, you can substitute half and half with a mixture of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, you can use whole milk for a slightly lighter version.
Of course! Adjust the spice level according to your taste. Start with a smaller amount of blackening seasoning and cayenne pepper, and add more gradually if you want a bit more heat.
Want more easy pasta recipes?
- Pasta Salad with Asparagus
- Italian Sausage Soup with Vegetables & Pasta
- Chicken with Asparagus and Pasta
📖 Recipe
Creamy Cajun Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning see link below
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz pasta uncooked
Cajun Cream Sauce
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- ⅔ cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2-3 teaspoon lemon juice about ½ a lemon squeezed
Instructions
For the Blackened Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. Pound them to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick, using a meat mallet.
- Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the blackening seasoning.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
For the Cajun Cream Sauce
- Start by deglazing the pan you used to cook the chicken with the dry white wine. If you've baked or broiled the chicken, scrape up the pan drippings from the baking pan and add them to a skillet with the wine. Heat thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the half and half, all-purpose flour, Cajun or Creole Seasoning, dried oregano, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth.
- Whisk the flour mixture into the skillet with the white wine and pan drippings. Stir constantly over medium-low to medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Cajun Cream Sauce by adding the lemon juice and heating it through. Set the sauce aside.
For the Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large serving dish, combine the cooked pasta, the prepared Cajun Cream Sauce, and the sliced chicken. Toss well to combine.
Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures uniform cooking and a juicy result.
- Experiment with the amount of blackening seasoning and cayenne pepper to tailor the spiciness to your liking. Start with a little heat and add more if you're feeling adventurous.
- For best results, allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- When boiling pasta, don't forget to add salt to the water. It flavors the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook pasta until al dente, so it has a bit of bite. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the delicious cream sauce.
Kristine says
This pasta is INCREDIBLE! Just the right amount of heat and tons of flavor. We devoured it!
Gianne says
The perfect blend of flavors with just the right amount of heat. Every bite is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. I could eat this dish every day!
Jill says
This pasta is so full of delicious flavor. We all loved it. Will be making again!
Ieva says
Love it! I could literally lick that smoky spicy cream sauce off the plate. Cannot wait to have leftover for lunch today again 🙂
Pam says
We agree about licking the plate!
Kechi says
This is my kind of pasta; flavorful & spicy! Am loving all the flavor combos! Saved to try tonight!
Holly says
This pasta chicken pasta was a hit at dinner last night. The boys scarfed it down! It was creamy and had just the right amount of heat. We will be making it again soon 🙂
Pam says
Yay! So happy to hear that.
veenaazmanov says
Delicious and creamy. Love the Cajun sauce. Pasta is one of my family favorite DINNER option and I cant wait to try your recipe soon.
brandi says
I'm a huge fan of spicy and this is the perfect recipe! I can see this on repeat for weeknight dinners, for sure.
veenaazmanov says
Pasta is one of my family favorite Dinner option. This flavorful creamy cajun sauce make it delicious. Presentation tempting.