Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta is packed with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender penne pasta, colorful bell peppers, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. It tastes just like the restaurant favorite and comes together easily at home for the perfect comforting dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner, DINNER | PASTA
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add sliced bell peppers and sauté until slightly tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Slice the chicken and serve over the creamy Cajun pasta.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan melts best for a silky smooth sauce.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it more or less spicy.
- Add shrimp for a delicious Cajun chicken and shrimp pasta variation.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.