This Spicy Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, one-pan meal you can whip up in under half an hour. Quick, easy, delicious, and kid-friendly, this pasta dish is going to be one of your go-to’s.
This delicious recipe is filled with spicy cajun seasoning which not only adds great flavor, but also helps to keep the chicken super juicy. If you love chicken pasta recipes you may also enjoy this Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
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I love using chicken in pasta recipes like this one because it’s full of protein and other nutrients such as vitamin B6 and selenium. The pasta helps to make the dish even more filling while also adding some complex carbohydrates into the mix.
Why I Love This Recipe
This zesty, one-pan pasta dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and fill your stomach in under thirty minutes.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easy to make
- Always a hit at parties
- Fills the house with a delicious aroma
If you love chicken recipes you may also enjoy this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.
Ingredients
Here are a few ingredients that you will need to make this tasty recipe. All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery, so go ahead and make your list so you can make this pasta.
Pasta – I used penne pasta for this recipe. I really think the sauce sticks great to this shape.
Chicken – You will need boneless skinless chicken breasts to make this dish.
Cajun Seasoning – I like to use Tony’s, but you can use whatever brand that you prefer.
Vegetables – For this recipe you will need bell peppers, tomatoes, and an onion.
Substitutions
Pasta: You can substitute a different shaped pasta for the penne pasta if you want. Good choices are: rigatoni, fusilli (spirals), or farfalle (bow-tie). For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta.
Cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use mozzarella or parmesan, depending on your preference.
Variations / Options / Add-Ins
Here are a few ways that you can personalize this recipe to make it your own.
Vegetables: You can switch up the vegetables for this recipe. Some good choices are spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Meat: If you don’t like chicken you can use shrimp instead.
Spice: If you want a spicier dish, add in some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or red pepper flakes. If you want to make sure you add the right amount of spice, use this Hot Pepper Chart in Scoville Units.
Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools
You only need a couple basic kitchen tools to help you make this recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this tasty dish.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta
This one-pot pasta comes together quickly just follow these simple instructions and you will have a delicious pasta in no time at all.
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Heat up your skillet over medium high heat, then add the vegetable oil and chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent browning.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Next, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle the chicken with Cajun seasoning.
Cook the chicken over medium high heat, stirring occasionally to cook all sides of each piece.
Step 3: Add Sausage
Once the chicken is cooked on all sides, add the smoked sausage slices to the pan and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Once the sausage has been warmed in the pan, add the cooked pasta along with the preserved pasta water. Cook until most of the water evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the bell peppers and tomato sauce. If you plan on adding other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, add those now too.
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell peppers soften.
Step 6: Add Cream
Turn down the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream, making sure to coat all the other ingredients.
Turn off the burner.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
To finish the dish, add cherry tomato halves to the pasta and stir to combine. Spoon into bowls and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this cheesy pasta with a side of fresh vegetables like these Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables or a bread side like this Instant Pot French Bread.
Pro Tips
- For a creamier version, replace the heavy cream with 4 ounces of cream cheese instead.
- Afraid the dish will be too spicy? Only use one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (you can always add more if it’s too bland).
- I used vegetable oil to saute the onions, but you could also use olive oil or butter.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of the breast for this creamy pasta.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions.
- Garnish this creamy chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
FAQs
To store leftovers, wait for the pasta to cool completely, then place in an airtight container with a tight sealing lid. Store in the refrigerator until ready to reheat. If stored properly, it will be good for 3 days.
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave. Simply place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and add a few drops of water or milk. Cover and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds on medium power. Check the heat and continue heating in 15-second increments until heated through.
Yes, you can freeze this pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as directed.
Other Cajun Recipes You May Enjoy
If you like cajun recipes, give these recipes a try:
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📋 Recipe
Spicy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
- 2 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 smoked sausage sliced
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta plus 1/4 cup cooking water
- ½ green bell pepper sliced
- ½ red bell pepper sliced
- ½ cup canned tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 20 cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat, then add vegetable oil and chopped onion. Cook until the onion begins to soften.
- Add chicken breast pieces to the pan, then sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken.
- Stir chicken over medium high heat until all sides are cooked. Then, add sausage slices and cook for another minute.
- Next, add cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water and cook for another 2 or 3 minutes, or until most of the water has evaporated.
- Add bell pepper, then tomato sauce and stir until the bell peppers are softened, about 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream until everything is coated. Turn off the heat.
- Add cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier version, replace the heavy cream with 4 ounces of cream cheese instead.
- Afraid the dish will be too spicy? Only use one teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (you can always add more if it’s too bland).
- I used vegetable oil to saute the onions, but you could also use olive oil or butter.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of the breast for this creamy pasta.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions.
- Garnish this creamy chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
I only use Cajun on shrimps. Let me try this one, looks like it’s good on chicken, too!!