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: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 10 ounces pasta (rigatoni or penne); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 bulb garlic; 6 ounces feta cheese; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is not your average weeknight dinner. It’s got bold personality from its spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, a luxuriously silky pasta sauce, and the irresistible tang of whipped roasted garlic feta. To top it off, we crown the dish with crispy, golden chickpeas that offer a crunch you didn’t know you were missing. Every element of this pasta works together to make each bite unforgettable.

What makes this pasta shine is its fusion of Southern heat and Mediterranean charm. The Cajun spices bring warmth and depth, while the whipped feta offers a creamy coolness that mellows the heat in the most delicious way. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow punch, and the chickpeas give that satisfying textural contrast. It’s the kind of dish you whip up when you want comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe is a flavor powerhouse. The creamy pasta sauce perfectly balances spice and richness. It’s got just enough kick to keep it exciting but stays approachable for most palates. You’ll love how fast it comes together for a weeknight meal, yet it’s elevated enough to impress at your next dinner party.

The whipped roasted garlic feta alone might become your new favorite spread – velvety, tangy, and utterly addictive. Combined with the pasta and crispy chickpeas, it transforms this dish into something layered and memorable.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

You can use any pasta shape you love, but short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli tends to cling beautifully to the creamy sauce. That means you get full flavor in every bite. Long pastas like linguine or fettuccine can also work but may not hold the crispy chickpeas as well when mixed.

If you’re going gluten-free, chickpea or lentil pasta works beautifully and even enhances the flavor with a slightly nutty taste that compliments the roasted garlic and Cajun spices.

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

Every ingredient in this pasta dish has a distinct role, making it layered, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Here are the stars that bring this spicy, creamy dream to life:

Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, this is the main protein that soaks up the Cajun spice.
Cajun seasoning: Bold and smoky, it brings heat and depth to the dish. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Pasta (rigatoni or penne): Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce and balancing the other textures.
Heavy cream: The base of the luxurious sauce that ties everything together.
Garlic: Roasted garlic mellows and sweetens, enriching the whipped feta.
Feta cheese: Crumbled and blended into a whipped topping that adds tangy creaminess.
Chickpeas: Roasted until crispy for a savory crunch on top.
Olive oil: Used to roast the garlic and chickpeas and sear the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing the other bold flavors.
Lemon juice: A splash brings brightness and a bit of acidity to balance the richness.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas 2

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

Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Chickpeas

Slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until golden and soft. On a separate tray, toss drained chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crisp – about 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 2: Whip the Garlic Feta

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a blender. Add feta, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more lemon or olive oil as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside and slice.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a spoonful of the whipped feta. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Nestle the sliced chicken on top and spoon more whipped feta over everything. Scatter the crispy chickpeas for the final crunch. Serve warm with an optional extra squeeze of lemon.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served hot, right after the final toss in the creamy Cajun sauce. Plate it with a generous dollop of whipped feta and a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas for texture. The lemony notes and creamy base balance beautifully with the seasoned chicken, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, ideal for feeding a hungry group or ensuring leftovers for tomorrow.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Keep the chickpeas stored separately in a dry container so they stay crisp.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Herby Garlic Bread

The creamy sauce loves something to soak into, and garlic bread with fresh parsley and butter is an easy win.

Simple Arugula Salad

A sharp, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and balances every bite.

Roasted Asparagus

Add a touch of green and a little char with simply roasted asparagus. It works wonderfully next to the Cajun flavors.

Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls

If you’re going all in with flavor, serve this pasta with these crispy, spicy egg rolls for a punchy appetizer. Try this combo here

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil with a balsamic glaze offers a fresh, cooling contrast.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

Their slightly sweet and crumbly texture makes them a fun and unexpected pairing for the heat of Cajun spice. Find the recipe on Janet Dishes!

Lemonade or a Citrusy Spritz

Balance the spice with something light and citrusy to sip alongside your plate.

Want More Pasta Ideas Bursting with Flavor?

If you loved the boldness of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, these other pasta creations might just steal your heart next:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta if you crave a veggie-rich dish with luscious texture.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for cozy comfort and minimal cleanup.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta to keep the Cajun theme rolling with a seafood twist.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta if you’re craving sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of indulgence.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a high-protein creamy option.

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know how it turned out! Did you add extra heat or swap in a different protein? Maybe a dash of smoked paprika for even more depth?

I love seeing how others make this dish their own. Drop your questions, ideas, or twists in the comments!

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas is an experience, not just a meal. It’s bold, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether you’re spicing up a weekday or hosting a dinner party, this dish delivers comfort and flair with every forkful.