Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta

The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, mixed with the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning, always brings my family running to the kitchen. There’s just something irresistible about the smell, and it’s usually a sign that Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is on the menu. This is one of those recipes I’ve made countless times in my Texas kitchen, always tweaking it just a bit until it was absolutely perfect. And believe me, with two little ones constantly underfoot, it had to be quick and easy. I promise, this recipe will give you a restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time to spend with your family.

Why This Recipe Works

Life as a busy mom in Texas is all about finding shortcuts without sacrificing flavor. This Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight superstar for so many reasons:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it’s ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings when everyone’s starving.
• Kid-Approved: Even my pickiest eater loves this pasta. The creamy sauce and mild white cheddar win them over every time, and you can easily adjust the spice level.
• Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas. Swap out the chicken for shrimp, add different veggies, or adjust the Cajun seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The quality of your ingredients truly impacts the final dish. Here are a few notes to consider:

• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook quickly. But chicken thighs would also work great if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Pasta: Penne and fettuccine are classic choices, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Rotini or bow-tie pasta would also be delicious.
• Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient, but I often make my own blend. It’s easy to adjust the heat level to suit your family’s taste. Look for brands with no added salt, or adjust the recipe accordingly.
• White Cheddar: Freshly shredded white cheddar melts the best and adds that signature creamy texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. If you can’t find white cheddar, sharp cheddar will also work in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta:

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining, just in case the sauce needs a little thinning later on.
2. Step 2: Sauté the Chicken. While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Step 4: Build the Sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This might take a few minutes, so be patient.
5. Step 5: Combine and Serve. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this recipe even easier and more delicious. Here are some of my best tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re cooking for kids (or anyone sensitive to spice), start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Thin the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be a great addition to this dish.
• Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just heat up the sauce and combine everything.
• Spice it up!: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat it, or the sauce might separate.
• Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat up the sauce and combine everything.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few substitutions and variations to try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk (full-fat) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. I haven’t personally tested this variation, but it should work well.
• Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Sauté the shrimp until pink and cooked through.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, heat the sauce and combine everything. You can also make the entire dish a day ahead, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce. If this happens, add a little milk or chicken broth when reheating.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is generally kid-friendly. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level. My kids love it!

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing, and the pasta can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days.

What can I add to make it spicier?

If you want to kick up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

• Serve with a simple side salad to add some freshness.
• Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce is always a good idea.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

And there you have it – a Creamy White Cheddar Garlic Cajun Chicken Pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families like mine. I hope you give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments below. And while you’re here, be sure to check out some of my other family-friendly recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com or sign up for my newsletter to get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking, y’all!