One-Pan Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta 1

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This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect harmony of bold flavor and comforting creaminess. Tender slices of Cajun-seasoned chicken are seared to perfection, then nestled into a luscious sauce bursting with garlic, bell peppers, and a hint of honey for sweetness. All of it clings to silky pasta that cooks in the same pan, soaking up every drop of the rich, spicy goodness.

It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with minimal cleanup required. If you’re craving something satisfying, creamy, and just a little fiery, this pasta delivers on every front. Plus, it comes together in under 40 minutes—a dream for busy evenings when flavor still matters.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

You’ll love this pasta for its balance. The Cajun spice mix brings heat, the honey brings sweetness, and the cream ties it all together into a dreamy, velvety sauce. Cooking everything in one pan means all the flavors stay together, creating a dish that feels like it simmered all day. It also reheats beautifully—if you manage to have any leftovers at all.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal for this creamy Cajun chicken pasta. They hold onto the sauce beautifully and mix well with the strips of chicken and veggies. However, if you prefer something slurpier, fettuccine or linguine are great options too. Just make sure to stir well and adjust the liquid if needed so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.

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

To build bold, layered flavor in this pasta, you’ll want a handful of pantry staples plus a few fresh favorites. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this dish irresistible.

  • Chicken breast
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • Red bell pepper
  • Yellow bell pepper
  • Honey
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley
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How To Make the One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and stir in heavy cream, honey, and more Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to blend.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Add the dry pasta straight into the pan. Stir and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the sauce thickens (about 12-15 minutes). Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Slice the cooked chicken and stir it back into the skillet. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and stir until everything is well coated. Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Your One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served fresh off the stove, when the creamy sauce is still silky and the chicken is juicy and warm. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread if you want to stretch it for guests.

The recipe makes enough for 4 generous servings, or 5 to 6 smaller portions if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back up. The flavors are just as bold the next day, if not better.

What to Serve With One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread with Herbs

Crunchy on the outside and buttery inside, garlic bread is the classic sidekick for creamy pasta. Try it with fresh herbs for an extra punch.

Simple Garden Salad

A cool, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and balances the spice.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus spears tossed in olive oil and sea salt offer a bright, earthy complement to the Cajun flavors.

Sauteed Green Beans

Simple and quick, green beans sautéed in garlic and olive oil provide a clean, vibrant side.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or steamed, corn adds a little sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy elements of the dish.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes can be a decadent addition.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze bring a fresh and colorful counterpoint to this pasta.

Lemon Iced Tea

Cool and slightly tart, this drink refreshes the palate and rounds out the meal in a Southern-inspired way.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you might want to try some of these next:

Visit the classic comfort of Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta with a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes.

Warm up with the bold flavors in Tuscan Chicken Pasta—a creamy sun-dried tomato dream.

Try the spicy richness of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you’re a fan of Cajun flavor.

Enjoy a hearty twist with Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms.

Don’t miss One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a no-fuss, rich, and filling meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 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 extra heat? Maybe swapped in shrimp or a different pasta shape?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome, too—let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and crowd-pleasing pasta dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy creation.

Conclusion

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that satisfies every craving in a single dish. Sweet, spicy, rich, and deeply savory, it’s a celebration of comfort food with a Cajun twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this is a recipe that’s sure to land in your regular rotation. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

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One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta 1

One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a bold and comforting dinner featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and pasta cooked in one skillet. A perfect weeknight meal for fans of spicy chicken pasta, with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 tbsp honey

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups chicken broth

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Season the chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Cook for 4 minutes.

4. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in heavy cream, honey, and more Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3 minutes.

5. Add dry pasta into the pan. Stir and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

6. Add a splash of broth or water if needed during cooking.

7. Slice the cooked chicken and stir it back into the skillet.

8. Add Parmesan cheese and mix well until melted.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

You can swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a twist.

Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta as needed.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Cajun-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
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