Name: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 2 tbsp butter (for chicken); 2 tbsp honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp butter (for sauce)

Creamy, spicy, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet — this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is the kind of dinner that turns a boring weekday into something worth savoring. The chicken is perfectly seared in a golden honey butter glaze, full of Cajun heat, then tossed with tender pasta in a sauce that clings to every bite. It hits all the right notes: comfort, boldness, and just a touch of indulgence.

What sets this dish apart is how easily it comes together while still feeling extra. There’s no complicated marinating or multiple pans. It all simmers down in one skillet, yet the flavor tastes like you labored for hours. It’s ideal for when you’re craving something rich and flavorful but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all evening.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

This pasta is a celebration of contrasts. The Cajun spice blend adds smoky, zesty depth, while the honey butter brings in a silky sweetness that balances everything beautifully. The pasta soaks up the sauce with just enough bite, and the crispy edges of the chicken keep things interesting. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser or something cozy for two, it checks every box.

It also plays well with add-ons. Toss in some spinach for greens, swap the chicken for shrimp, or top it with Parmesan for extra richness. This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to because you can make it your own.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great here because it grabs the sauce in its ridges. But honestly, anything you have on hand will do the trick. Linguine gives it a fancier feel, and even bowties bring a playful texture. The key is to cook the pasta al dente, so it holds up to the bold flavors and creamy sauce without getting mushy.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

The beauty of this dish lies in how every ingredient adds something essential to the final flavor. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy depth. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Chicken breast or thighs
Cajun seasoning
Butter
Honey
Garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Pasta
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Paprika

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Toss your chicken in Cajun seasoning, salt, and a bit of olive oil. Heat a skillet and sear the chicken pieces until they’re golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and stir in honey and minced garlic. Let it bubble slightly until it becomes a rich, golden glaze.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Add a little more butter, pour in heavy cream, sprinkle more Cajun seasoning and paprika, then stir in Parmesan. Let it simmer until thickened and velvety.

Step 4: Cook and Combine the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta until al dente. Drain it and add it straight into the skillet, tossing everything so the noodles soak up that gorgeous sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan, stir to coat in sauce, and let it all warm through for a minute or two. Then plate it up and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

This recipe comfortably feeds four people as a main dish. Serve it right out of the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe, or plate it individually with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra Parmesan. If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe—it scales beautifully.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, splash in a little cream or milk and warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. The sauce reactivates nicely without getting too thick or oily.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crispy garlic bread is a perfect sidekick for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A simple roasted green veggie like broccoli helps cut the richness and adds a satisfying crunch.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool tang of a creamy slaw balances out the heat from the Cajun spice.

Mixed Greens Salad

A refreshing green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness to the meal.

Sweet Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn is a naturally sweet companion to the spicy elements.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like extra heat, these add zing and contrast beautifully with the honey butter.

Southern Biscuits

Soft and flaky biscuits are another great option for mopping up extra sauce.

Lemon Iced Tea

For drinks, this citrusy classic cools things down and pairs beautifully with the spice.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Cajun Flair?

If you love this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other bold, flavorful pasta creations:

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for seafood lovers who want rich heat.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want a cozy meal with easy cleanup.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a veggie-packed twist on creamy pasta.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce if you’re looking for a protein-rich, lighter creamy option.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta full of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs.

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 use shrimp instead of chicken? Did you dial up the spice or mellow it out?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and dinner recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorite!
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Conclusion

Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is everything a weeknight meal should be—easy, quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need to jazz up your dinner routine, this dish delivers every time. Bookmark it, tweak it, make it your own—and enjoy every saucy bite.