Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cajun Fusion
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine; 1 cup feta cheese; 1 bulb roasted garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking); 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas is one of those meals that checks all the comfort food boxes. It’s spicy, creamy, bold, and textured with every forkful. Between the juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, silky pasta, herby whipped feta, and perfectly golden chickpeas, this plate is a complete flavor explosion. You get restaurant-quality flavor but with a homemade touch that makes it deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers on taste and presentation. The combination of creamy feta and bold Cajun spice is unforgettable—each bite is savory with a little heat, then cooled off by the fluffy whipped cheese. And the crispy chickpeas? They’re not just a garnish—they’re essential crunch and protein that bring it all together.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

You can use any store-bought Cajun seasoning blend you love, but homemade is even better if you want to control the salt and spice levels. Look for blends that include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano. A touch of smoked paprika adds a depth that really enhances the chicken. Make sure to season generously, especially if your chicken is cut into small bites.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and absorb all the Cajun flavor beautifully.

Cajun Seasoning – This is where the bold, smoky, spicy flavor comes from. It’s the heart of the dish.

Pasta – Use any long pasta you like; spaghetti or linguine works great to soak up all that creamy feta goodness.

Feta Cheese – Whipped with roasted garlic, it becomes ultra-creamy and perfect for spooning over hot pasta.

Roasted Garlic – Adds a mellow, sweet depth to the whipped feta that balances the spice of the chicken.

Olive Oil – For pan-searing the chicken and tossing the chickpeas until crispy.

Chickpeas – Roasted until golden and crispy. They’re a nutritious, protein-packed topping that adds crunch.

Fresh Herbs (like parsley) – Used as a garnish to brighten everything up with freshness and color.

Salt & Pepper – To taste, rounding out and lifting the flavors in every component.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Feta

In a food processor, blend feta cheese, the soft roasted garlic cloves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of water or cream for extra smoothness. Blend until whipped and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Roast the Chickpeas

Drain and rinse canned chickpeas, then pat dry thoroughly. Toss with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Plate the cooked pasta, top with Cajun chicken, a generous spoonful of whipped feta, and a handful of crispy chickpeas. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and a final dusting of paprika or more Cajun spice if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve this dish warm, ideally right after assembly when the chicken is juicy, the feta is melty, and the chickpeas are at their crispiest. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or steamed green veggies. If you’re entertaining, consider serving it in a large shallow bowl so every component is visible and inviting.

For leftovers, store the components separately if possible. The chicken and pasta can go into one airtight container, while the whipped feta and chickpeas should be stored separately to preserve texture. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat the pasta and chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, and re-crisp chickpeas in the oven or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add more chickpeas or even roasted cauliflower for a hearty, satisfying option.

What pasta shape works best?

Long noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work great. But short shapes like penne or rigatoni will also hold up well with the creamy feta.

Can I use store-bought whipped feta?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use a quality whipped feta from the store. Just mix in a little roasted garlic if you like.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a nice kick, but it’s not overly spicy. You can tone it down by using less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild version.

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. Just store the whipped feta and chickpeas separately so they retain their texture when you’re ready to eat.

What can I use instead of feta?

Goat cheese is a great swap for a tangy flavor, or ricotta for a milder creamy alternative.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, check out these other flavor-packed favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun? Add some veggies? Or switch up the cheese?

I love seeing how you put your spin on these recipes. Questions are always welcome—let’s make magic in the kitchen together!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine: Cajun Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

This bold and creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavor-loaded meal featuring juicy spiced chicken, silky pasta, fluffy whipped roasted garlic feta, and crispy chickpeas. It’s satisfying, vibrant, and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep with flair.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with Cajun seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear with olive oil until cooked and slightly charred. Set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes. Let cool.

3. In a food processor, combine feta, roasted garlic cloves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of water or cream. Blend until smooth and fluffy.

4. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil.

5. Pat chickpeas dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. Roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

6. Assemble by plating pasta, topping with chicken, whipped feta, and chickpeas. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of paprika.