Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes

Spice up your pasta night with this flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta. The combination of Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a dish that's both comforting and zesty. It’s the kind of pasta that makes weeknights feel a little more special — without too much fuss.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This pasta is my go-to when I want something creamy, a little spicy, and downright satisfying. The magic lies in that creamy Cajun sauce — it clings to every strand of fettuccine, coating it in bold, buttery flavor. And the sun-dried tomatoes? They bring a sweet-tangy punch that plays so well against the smoky seasoning. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together in under 40 minutes, which makes it ideal for those “I want something amazing but I’m tired” kind of nights.

When I first made this, I wanted something that had the cozy vibes of Alfredo, but with a kick. Adding the Cajun seasoning to the cream sauce totally transformed it. And once I tossed in the bacon and sun-dried tomatoes? Game over. I usually grill or pan-sear the chicken with a generous rub of Cajun spice — that way, every bite packs a punch. If you're feeding a crew, you can even slice the chicken on a bias and fan it over the top like a pro. It looks restaurant-level fancy without the stress.

Pro tip: don’t skip the bacon. It adds a smoky crunch that balances all the creamy richness. And a little fresh parsley on top makes it pop, both flavor-wise and visually. This dish is basically a warm, creamy hug with a spicy high-five — and I think you’re gonna love it.

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Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~620

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

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Steps

Step 1

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2

Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to infuse flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 8

Top with sliced chicken and crumbled bacon. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

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Make it your own!

• 🌱 Make it vegetarian
  Skip the chicken and bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a hearty twist.

• 🐟 Try it with shrimp
  Cajun shrimp works beautifully in this dish — just cook quickly in the same skillet after seasoning.

• 🌶️ Crank up the heat
  Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.

• 🧀 Creamier version
  Stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra velvety sauce.

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Try it with…

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