Name: One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 tbsp butter; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional); 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and meals that require minimal cleanup, prepare to fall in absolute love with One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is a flavor-packed weeknight winner, loaded with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, silky fettuccine, and a sauce that’s both luscious and fiery. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring every bite yourself, the sweet and spicy notes marry perfectly for a meal that’s effortlessly irresistible and always crowd-pleasing.

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta so fantastic is that it relies on a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one has a special role to play, from the kick of Cajun seasoning to the richness of heavy cream and parmesan. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make every bite shine:

Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up bold Cajun flavors; slice them thin for even cooking.
Fettuccine pasta: The thick strands hold onto the creamy sauce so well; any long pasta will work in a pinch.
Heavy cream: Adds silky, luxurious body to the sauce for that truly creamy finish.
Grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it depth, tang, and a salty bite.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every layer with an irresistible aroma and a punch of savory flavor.
Cajun seasoning: The star of the show; brings heat, smokiness, and that signature Southern charm.
Honey or brown sugar: Just a touch creates that addictive sweet-to-spicy balance in every forkful.
Butter: Makes everything rich and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Chicken broth: Lends savory depth and helps cook the pasta and thicken the sauce all in one pan.
Crushed red pepper (optional): For those who live for a little extra heat in their pasta dishes.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green to finish things off beautifully.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with that zesty Cajun seasoning. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Let it sizzle away for about 5-6 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step — a beautiful crust means flavor! Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest while you work on the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

If needed, add a touch more butter to your pan. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick sizzle unlocks all the garlicky goodness that’s about to infuse the whole dish.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in a little bit of honey (or brown sugar) and even more Cajun seasoning for a bold, sweet heat. Give everything a quick mix to combine — your sauce will look pale now, but magic is happening!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add your uncooked fettuccine noodles straight into the pan. This is where the one-pan magic shines! Simmer over medium heat for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring often, so the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all those wonderful flavors as the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish the Sauce

While the pasta finishes, slice your rested chicken into strips. Nestle it back into the pan and sprinkle in the parmesan. Watch as the cheese melts, melding everything together into a dreamy, creamy, spicy sauce that hugs the pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle your One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta with fresh parsley and a scatter of crushed red pepper (if desired). Serve it piping hot, right from the pan — no one will be able to resist diving in!

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Bright green chopped parsley not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the sauce. If you want a touch more heat, crushed red pepper delivers a gorgeous pop of color and a spicy finish that plays beautifully against the creamy sweetness.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and light on the side: a vinegary green salad or crisp roasted vegetables make a fresh contrast to the decadence of One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Warm, crusty bread is a must for soaking up any last drops of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party twist, swirl the pasta into individual nests, fan sliced chicken on top, and drizzle with extra sauce. Or, pile it into a large family-style bowl for everyone to help themselves — this dish always impresses whether served casually or with a little flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, store One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen as everything melds together.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze this pasta for up to a month. Simply let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to return the sauce to its creamy, luscious self. Stir well to ensure everything heats through evenly and avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for holding onto the creamy sauce, penne or spaghetti also work wonders in this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Customize to your liking! For less heat, use mild Cajun seasoning and skip the crushed red pepper. Love it spicy? Add more seasoning and plenty of red pepper flakes.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

Yes, you can swap in half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though the result won’t be quite as rich and silky. It’s still delicious, especially if you’re watching calories.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free, you can easily adapt One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta for gluten-free eaters.

What protein substitutions work well?

Sliced sausage, shrimp, or even tofu can take the place of chicken for tasty variations. Just adjust searing and cooking times accordingly to keep everything juicy.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in a skillet, blending bold Cajun spices, a hint of sweetness, and pillowy noodles coated in a decadent sauce. Give it a try the next time you want to wow your table with something easy, flavorful, and unforgettable. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Season and Cook Chicken: Generously season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and golden, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
Prepare Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in butter for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in honey, Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
Cook Pasta: Add uncooked fettuccine pasta. Simmer over medium heat for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve: Slice rested chicken into strips and return to the pan. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan
Cuisine: Cajun