This Cajun Pasta is the definition of an easy, flavor-packed meal! Made with seasoned chicken in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy dinner recipe that comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes.

Looking for more recipes featuring Cajun Seasoning? You need to try Instant Pot Jambalaya, Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice, and Blackened Mahi Mahi along with this delicious creamy cajun pasta.

Skillet with Creamy Cajun Pasta topped with green onions.

Why You Will Love Cajun Pasta

One-Pot Dinner Recipe. Made in one pan, with easy-to-find ingredients, this Cajun Pasta is on the table in under 30 minutes.
Amazing Flavor. Thanks to the cajun seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes, this one-pot pasta recipe packs a punch in the flavor department.
Picky-Eater Approved. The addition of cream cheese mellows out the spice level to make this recipe suitable for those with more sensitive palates (AKA the kids!)
Hearty. This recipe is an all-in-one satisfying meal. It is filled with protein and grains that will keep you satisfied long after dinner is over.

Notes on Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients for Cajun Pasta labeled on counter.

Chicken: Use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Cajun Seasoning: I always keep my pantry stocked with homemade cajun seasoning. It is made with the perfect ratio of spices for the ultimate flavor and helps you control the level of heat and sodium. However, feel free to use storebought cajun seasoning if that is what you have on hand.
Pasta: You want to select a noodle that the sauce can easily adhere to, such as rotini, corkscrew noodles, or elbow noodles.
Aromatics: Adding minced garlic and diced yellow onion helps to develop the flavor in this simple one-pot dish.
Bell Pepper: I love the fresh, sweet flavor that a red bell pepper lends to cajun pasta. I don't recommend using green bell pepper, as it does not pair as well with the other flavors in this dish. Feel free to omit it if you don't care for the texture or flavor of sweet bell peppers.
Diced Tomatoes: I highly suggest using fire-roasted tomatoes to add a nice smokey undertone to the cajun pasta.
Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium storebought or homemade chicken stock or Instant Pot chicken stock. The stock will help to create a rich cajun pasta sauce while flavoring the noodles as they cook.
Cream Cheese: Be sure to use regular or low-fat cream cheese, NOT fat-free cream cheese as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Pan: Use a large stock pan with a lid or a large skillet that can be fitted with a lid. This will ensure that you have enough room for this pasta dish to cook.

Substitutions/Modifications

Cajun Sausage Pasta: Swap the seasoned chicken with sliced andouille sausage. It makes this recipe for Cajun pasta even easier!
Meatless Cajun Pasta: Simply omit the chicken. You may find that the dish will only serve 4 versus 6 without the addition of chicken.
Gluten-Free Cajun Pasta: To keep this recipe gluten-free, I recommend using Barilla gluten-free noodles, as they don't give off as much starch as other gluten-free brands. You also should confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Hate Diced Tomatoes? If you, or your kids, don't care for the texture of diced tomatoes, substitute 15 ounces of tomato sauce in place of the diced tomatoes or blend the fire-roasted tomatoes prior to adding them to the cajun pasta.
Controlling the Spice: For a spicier version of cajun pasta, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the pasta after it has cooked. For a milder version, reduce the cajun seasoning in half.

How to Make the Best Cajun Pasta

This recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta is super easy. And while you can find detailed directions in the recipe card, I do have some tips to make this one-pot meal even easier and better tasting!

Step One: Season the Chicken. Don't skip seasoning the cubed chicken with cajun seasoning before sauteeing the chicken. This will help to build the layers of flavor in this simple meal.

Cubed chicken seasoned with cajun seasoning on cutting board.

Step Two: Saute the chicken with the onions and peppers. Another tip to building flavor and texture in this pasta dinner is to saute the chicken, peppers, and onions until the chicken is browned and the veggies are tender.

Saute pan with sauteed chicken, peppers, and onions.

Step Three: Bring to a boil. After sauteing the chicken with the veggies, you want to add in the broth and tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil before adding in the pasta. This will help the noodles cook evenly.

Skillet with chicken, broth, and diced tomatoes.

Step Four: Simmer the pasta until al dente. You want to simmer the pasta until it is just bite tender, or al dente. Cooking longer will result in mushy pasta.

Skillet with pasta, chicken, tomatoes and cajun seasoning.

Step Five: Add cubed, room-temperature cream cheese. It is best to add small chunks of cream cheese that are at room temperature so that it evenly, and quickly melts into the cajun pasta sauce. This will not only speed up the recipe but ensure a nice, creamy cajun pasta sauce.

Skillet with simmered cajun pasta with cubed cream cheese added into skillet.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty meal that stands on its own. However, if you would like to add a side of vegetables, I recommend pairing this pasta dinner with a simple side salad like Mixed Greens with Mandarin Oranges or Avocado Spinach Salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: If you happen to have any leftover Cajun Pasta, allow it to cool slightly. Then transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat this Cajun Pasta, I suggest dishing out individual servings into bowls, adding a splash of chicken stock or water, covering with a damp paper towel, and microwaving in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: Due to the addition of cream cheese, I don't recommend freezing this Creamy Cajun Pasta, as the sauce may separate when thawed.

More Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes

If you enjoyed this simple Cajun Pasta, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below!