Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: One-Pan Sweet and Spicy Perfection

For those nights when you crave bold flavor but need an easy cleanup, a one-pan dinner is a lifesaver. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of convenience and irresistible flavor. It delivers a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning, mellowed by the creaminess of a luscious sauce, and rounded off with a touch of sweetness. Every forkful brings you the heat, richness, and comfort that only a home-cooked pasta can offer.

Designed to impress yet simple enough for busy weeknights, this recipe is made with tender strips of chicken (or beef if you prefer), fresh vegetables, and pasta all simmered in one skillet. The Cajun flavor adds depth without requiring a pantry full of ingredients, and the touch of honey or maple syrup creates a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more.

Let’s break it down and make this weeknight winner yours.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

Protein (Choose One):

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
  or
• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• ½ yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pantry & Liquid:

• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 2½ cups chicken broth (or beef broth for beef version)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweet heat balance)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Cajun Seasoning (or use 1½ tbsp store-bought):

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp brown sugar

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cajun Blend
In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Set aside. If you’re using pre-made Cajun seasoning, adjust quantity based on saltiness and heat level.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken or Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken or beef with half of the Cajun seasoning. Add it to the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant—about 2–3 minutes. Add bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 more minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release juice.

4. Cook the Pasta in One Pan
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits. Add the dry pasta and stir until submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add Cream, Cheese, and Balance the Flavors
Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Return the seared chicken or beef to the pan.

Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and stir in the honey or maple syrup to balance the heat with sweetness. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.

6. Taste and Adjust
Taste the dish and make any necessary adjustments. For more spice, add extra cayenne. For more sweetness, a touch more honey. Add salt only if needed, depending on how salty your broth and seasoning were.

7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet in every bite.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Protein Tips: If using beef, choose a tender cut like sirloin. For chicken, boneless breast or thighs work best.
• Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning works fine but adjust for salt and heat. Homemade gives you full control.
• Creaminess Options: Heavy cream provides richness, but half-and-half or evaporated milk can be substituted with slightly thinner results.
• Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Stir while simmering to prevent it from sticking or getting mushy. Test for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
• Balancing Sweetness: Honey or maple syrup adds a layer of depth to counter the spice. Start with a small amount and build up to taste.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add spinach at the end or mushrooms during the sauté stage for a heartier dish.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check all seasonings and broths for hidden gluten sources.

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Serving Suggestions

While this pasta is a full meal on its own, here are a few great additions to complete the table:

• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a light balsamic dressing to offset the richness
• Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
• Crusty bread or garlic toast to scoop up extra sauce
• Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for a cooling contrast
• Corn on the cob dusted with paprika for an extra Southern twist

If you’re serving this for guests, a small side of citrus wedges or a fresh cucumber salad will lighten the meal beautifully.

Final Thought

This one-pan creamy Cajun chicken pasta (or beef version) is the perfect example of comfort food that doesn’t take hours to make. You get layers of flavor: the smoky heat of Cajun spice, mellowed by cream, with a slight sweetness tying it all together. It’s adaptable, beginner-friendly, and consistently satisfying. The fact that it cooks in one skillet makes it even better—less time scrubbing, more time enjoying.

So the next time you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and bold, reach for this recipe. Keep it on repeat, experiment with your preferred protein, spice level, or extra vegetables—and make it your own.