Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the spicy-straight-from-Louisiana flavors of Cajun pasta without all the heaviness, this Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will sweep you off your feet. It delivers big, bold flavor with a perfectly creamy sauce—yet uses lighter ingredients, so you can go back for seconds without an ounce of guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta so delightful is how each ingredient brings something essential—vibrant color, creamy texture, savory depth, and a signature kick of Cajun spice. Simple pantry staples come together for a dish that tastes far more indulgent than it really is.

• Short-cut pasta (1 lb): Use penne, rotini, farfalle, or whatever you have—these shapes hug the sauce for extra flavor in every bite.
• Extra virgin olive oil (4 tbsp): Adds heart-healthy richness and helps coax out the sweetness of the onions and peppers.
• Chicken tenders (1 lb, bite-sized): Tender and quick to cook; you can swap for chicken breast if you’d like.
• Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon + 1-2 tsp): The big flavor source! Store-bought or homemade; go easy for less heat, or add extra for more punch.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic, yes, but crucial for balancing and enhancing every other flavor.
• Yellow onion (1, chopped): Adds aromatic sweetness that forms the backbone of the sauce.
• Bell peppers (2, chopped): Choose red, yellow, or orange for vibrant color and gentle sweetness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped): Garlic infuses the sauce with deep, savory warmth.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional—but perfect if you love a little extra kick.
• Low sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Lightens up the sauce and adds savory depth.
• Milk (1 cup): Whole, 2%, or even skim if you want to keep it super light—this is the creamy base for the sauce.
• Cream cheese (2 oz, room temp): Adds that luscious creaminess you want, without heavy cream. Let it soften so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Grated parmesan (½ cup): Salty, nutty, and essential for that classic cheesy finish.
• Fresh basil (2 tbsp, chopped): For a burst of herbal freshness that brightens every bite as you serve.

Variations

This Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is just begging for you to make it your own! Whether you need a dairy-free version or want to crank up the veggie content, it’s incredibly easy to adapt for your pantry or your palate.

• Sausage Swap: Replace the chicken with andouille or turkey sausage for even smokier, deep Cajun flavor.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Use a creamy oat or cashew-based spread in place of cream cheese and plant-based parmesan for a completely dairy-free pasta night.
• Veggie-Packed: Toss in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms—this sauce loves to play with extra veggies.
• Seafood Boost: Add shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking for a coastal Louisiana vibe.

How to Make Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a bubbling boil, then cook your short pasta until it’s just shy of perfectly al dente. This lets it soak up all that saucy goodness later! Drain and set aside, but don’t worry about a little pasta water clinging to the noodles—that’s flavor, too.

Step 2: Sear Chicken & Onion

Using the same pot (less cleanup, yay!), heat half the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion, diced chicken, and plenty of Cajun seasoning. Sauté everything until golden and just cooked through—about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate to keep it tender and juicy.

Step 3: Sauté Veggies & Build Flavor

No need to wash the pot—those bits left behind mean built-in flavor! Pour in the remaining olive oil, then toss in your bell peppers and garlic. Sauté until the peppers soften, then add a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let those aromatics wake up and get fragrant before you move on.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add your softened cream cheese. Whisk everything gently so the cream cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken up. Let it gently simmer—don’t rush it!—so the flavors meld and the sauce becomes glossy and luscious.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta

Now, stir in the parmesan until melted, then tip your pasta and cooked chicken back in. Cook everything together for a few minutes so each bite absorbs that creamy, spicy sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in plenty of fresh basil. It’s ready to plate, garnish, and devour!

How to Serve Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil for color and a pop of flavor. If you love a little extra heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a final dusting of Cajun seasoning right before serving will take your Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to the next level.

Side Dishes

This pasta is rich enough to star on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad or simple garlic bread is always a winning match. I especially love serving it with steamed broccoli or sautéed greens for a satisfying, veggie-packed supper.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or dinner parties, try scooping your Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta into individual ramekins and topping with extra parmesan—then broil for a minute or two until bubbly and golden. Family style in a big, colorful bowl with basil scattered on top makes it feel festive and inviting, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and tuck into the fridge. Properly stored, your Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for lunch meal prep or next-day cravings.

Freezing

This creamy pasta freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to two months. Just note the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing—but give it a good stir when reheating, and it comes right back together.

Reheating

To revive that creamy magic, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to bring the sauce back to silky. Stir well, heat until piping hot, and top with fresh basil for that just-cooked touch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you make this Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta part of your weeknight rotation and savor every spicy, creamy forkful! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving leftovers for yourself, this dish guarantees comfort and flavor—without weighing you down. You’ll want to make it again and again!

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