This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish when you want bold flavors, a creamy kick, and barely any dishes to clean. Perfectly seared Cajun-seasoned chicken rests on a bed of velvety fettuccine tossed in a sauce that hits every note: rich, sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s a flavor bomb dinner that comes together in just one pan, making it ideal for weeknights or impressive enough for weekend entertaining.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance—the smoky heat of Cajun spices meets the mellow sweetness of cream and honey, all clinging to pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor. Plus, with crispy-edged chicken sliced on top, each bite delivers satisfaction. If you’re into creamy pastas that bring the heat and then cool it off in the most indulgent way, you’re going to fall for this one.

What Makes the Best Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The secret lies in bold Cajun seasoning, well-seared chicken breasts, and letting the pasta cook directly in the sauce. This allows the noodles to absorb maximum flavor instead of being tossed in afterward. And for that dreamy creamy texture, a mix of heavy cream, Parmesan, and a touch of honey brings everything into balance—sweet, salty, spicy, and smooth.

Use fettuccine or linguine to help the sauce cling nicely to the noodles. And don’t skip the sear on the chicken—that char is essential for flavor and presentation!

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

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, sliced for quicker, even cooking.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds smoky, spicy flavor. Adjust heat level depending on your preference.

Olive Oil and Butter – A duo that helps sear the chicken and starts the sauce with rich flavor.

Garlic – Freshly minced to deepen the savory element.

Heavy Cream – The base of the sauce, making it ultra-creamy.

Chicken Broth – Helps the pasta cook and infuses more flavor.

Honey – Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the Cajun heat.

Parmesan Cheese – For a nutty, salty punch and creamy finish.

Fettuccine Pasta – Wide enough to hold onto the creamy sauce.

Chili Flakes – Optional, for those who like an extra kick.

Fresh Parsley – A pop of color and fresh flavor for garnish.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your sliced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through—about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, honey, and a pinch of salt. Simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens—about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Add uncooked fettuccine directly into the skillet. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and let it cook in the sauce for about 12–14 minutes, or until al dente. Add more broth if needed during cooking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is thick and silky, return the chicken to the pan. Slice the chicken into strips and nestle them over the pasta. Sprinkle with chili flakes and chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta hot from the skillet, garnished with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra chili flakes for those who love heat. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or homemade naan also makes a fantastic companion to scoop up that luscious sauce.

For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the chicken to dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a noticeable Cajun kick, but the cream and honey mellow it out nicely. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or cayenne.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Simply slice and add it during the final step to heat through. It won’t have the same crispy edges, but it works in a pinch.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. Adjust ratios to taste.

Can I substitute the cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, but the richness will be slightly reduced.

What other pasta shapes work?

Linguine, spaghetti, or even penne are great alternatives. Just watch the cooking time and adjust liquid as needed.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well as the sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Want More Creamy Pasta Dinners?

If this creamy Cajun chicken pasta hits the spot, you’ll love these other flavor-packed recipes too:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add more spice? Toss in veggies? Swap the protein?

I love hearing how you make each recipe your own. Don’t forget to tag me and follow along for more daily dishes over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina.

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: One-pan skillet
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold Cajun flavors, tender seared chicken, and fettuccine coated in a silky sweet-heat cream sauce. It’s a quick, all-in-one skillet meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.

3. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side until golden and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, honey, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add uncooked fettuccine to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 12–14 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Add more broth if needed.

7. Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet, placing it over the finished pasta.

8. Sprinkle with red chili flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Sear the chicken until the edges are golden for the best texture and flavor.

Add more broth as needed while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking or drying out.

If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce Cajun seasoning or skip the red chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 590
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, spicy pasta