Alright, let’s talk about Creamy Cajun Pasta—aka the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s got tender pasta, a bold and creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, and juicy protein (chicken, shrimp, or sausage—your call!).
This dish is spicy, creamy, and packed with smoky Cajun flavors. Best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
✅ Customizable – Use chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
✅ Bold & Creamy – Smoky heat + velvety sauce = magic.
✅ 30-Minute Meal – Weeknight dinner just got easier!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Protein (Pick One or Mix!):
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- OR ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- OR 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional, for a little zest)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley 🌿
- Extra Parmesan 🧀
- Squeeze of lemon 🍋
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente (follow package directions).
- Drain, but save ½ cup pasta water for later!
2️⃣ Cook the Protein:
- Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken, shrimp, or sausage with Cajun seasoning + paprika.
- Cook chicken or sausage for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- If using shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
4️⃣ Add the Parmesan & Pasta:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and diced tomatoes (if using).
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5️⃣ Bring It All Together:
- Return the cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the pan.
- Stir everything together and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy Cajun goodness!
🔥 Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta
✔ Don’t overcook shrimp – It cooks super fast! ⏳
✔ Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. 🌶️
✔ Need it lighter? Swap half & half for heavy cream.
✔ Grill the protein for extra smoky flavor! 🔥
🍽️ What to Serve with It
🥖 Garlic bread – Because you need to soak up that sauce.
🥗 Simple green salad – A fresh contrast to the richness.
🍷 Glass of Chardonnay – Pairs beautifully with Cajun spice!
🥶 Storage & Reheating
📦 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces don’t freeze well).
🔥 Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream and warm on the stovetop over low heat.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yep! But if you want to make your own, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce best.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try coconut cream + dairy-free Parmesan for a non-dairy twist.
4. Can I make it low-carb?
Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Pasta is spicy, creamy, and full of bold flavors—a total winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you go for chicken, shrimp, or sausage, this dish never disappoints!
🔥 Try it and let me know how it turns out! 🍝🔥
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta: 2️⃣ Cook the Protein: 3️⃣ Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce: 4️⃣ Add the Parmesan & Pasta: 5️⃣ Bring It All Together: 6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Protein (Pick One or Mix!):
For the Pasta & Sauce:
For Garnish:
Instructions