Name: One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

There are few things more comforting than a skillet full of creamy, spice-kissed pasta — especially when it’s crowned with golden seared Cajun chicken. This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor, a luscious texture, and the magic of minimal cleanup. Every forkful offers a creamy sauce with a kick of heat balanced by a subtle sweetness, all hugging ribbons of pasta and topped with perfectly seasoned chicken.

This dish comes together effortlessly in a single skillet, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. You’ll love how the creaminess mellows the spices just enough to keep you coming back for another bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and restaurant-level impressive — without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
Big Flavor, Balanced Heat: The Cajun spice adds the perfect warmth without overpowering, while a touch of honey or sugar rounds it out.
Perfect for Weeknights or Guests: Quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet decadent enough to serve to guests.
Creamy, Saucy, and Satisfying: The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, delivering flavor in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, take a moment to gather everything you’ll need. Having your ingredients and tools ready will make the cooking process seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your workhorse for the entire recipe. A deep-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and space for the sauce and pasta.
Tongs or Spatula: Great for flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta without breaking it.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision helps with balancing sweet and spicy.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and prepping veggies or herbs.
Lid for the Skillet: Helps the pasta cook evenly and locks in moisture for the sauce.

These tools are simple yet essential for creating the perfect one-pan pasta with creamy Cajun goodness.

Ingredients for the One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy, these soak up all that Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta: Long pasta ribbons hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cajun Seasoning: The key flavor backbone, bringing spice, herbs, and smoky depth.
Heavy Cream: For the signature creamy base that smooths out the spice.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and a cheesy richness to the sauce.
Garlic: A must-have for flavor complexity and depth.
Bell Peppers (Red/Green): Add color, sweetness, and a fresh crunch.
Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta and intensify the savory flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Just a hint to balance the heat.
Olive Oil & Butter: For searing the chicken and enriching the sauce.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright finishing touch.

How To Make the One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil. In a hot skillet, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and bell peppers until softened. This builds a flavorful base.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, scraping up the flavorful bits at the bottom. Stir in Parmesan and a touch of honey or sugar.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta to the sauce and cover. Stir occasionally as it cooks and softens, absorbing the flavor-rich liquid.

Step 5: Slice Chicken & Combine

Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Once pasta is tender and sauce is thickened, return chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serving Tips:

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Storing Tips:

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or linguine are great choices, but penne or rotini can work if you prefer a short pasta.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken can be added after the sauce is made. Just season it well with Cajun spice.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a balanced heat. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a sweet Cajun blend.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute, though the flavor will slightly change.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, or a splash of white wine in the sauce for added depth.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these next:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy twist.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti loaded with cheesy goodness.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Parmesan Pasta for a crispy-creamy combo.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with sweet heat and cheesy comfort.
One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta for that deep, smoky chili flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavier on the spice? Try a different pasta shape? Maybe even toss in some mushrooms or spinach?

I love hearing your variations. Let’s keep inspiring each other in the kitchen!

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