Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta – Easy Creamy Weeknight Recipe

I still remember the first time I cooked a creamy Cajun chicken pasta for my family—it was chaotic but magical. From chopping bell peppers to tasting the rich, spicy sauce, every step felt like a cozy adventure. This Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta recipe is quick, easy, and family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With a creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce that clings to tender shellbows, it’s comfort food you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. This creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked shellbows, all coated in a rich and cheesy Cajun chicken pasta sauce. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough for special occasions. You’ll love how customizable it is—add veggies, extra spices, or even transform it into a Cajun chicken Alfredo. With this easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta, every bite delivers bold Cajun flavors and a satisfying, one-pot meal experience that your whole family will enjoy. Perfect for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The secret to a perfect Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices form the hearty protein base, while shellbows pasta provides the perfect shape to hold the creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce. Garlic, onions, and bell peppers add aromatic depth and color. The sauce blends heavy cream, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Parmesan for rich, velvety indulgence, with smoked paprika and optional cayenne giving it that signature Cajun kick. Garnishing with parsley and extra Parmesan completes this easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Each ingredient works together to create a balanced, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):

For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, diced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) shell pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz (115 g) Philadelphia cream cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Garnish:
Chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan

How to Make This Recipe

Making Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta is simple, and the key is layering flavors at every step. Start by cooking the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning until golden and tender—this creates the rich, bold flavor that defines a creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe. Meanwhile, shellbows pasta cooks to perfection, ready to hold every bit of the luscious Cajun chicken pasta sauce. Sautéing garlic, onions, and bell peppers adds depth, while combining heavy cream, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Parmesan transforms it into a velvety, spicy sauce. Tossing the pasta and chicken together ensures every bite of this easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta is packed with flavor. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan for a perfect, family-friendly one-pot meal that’s ideal for weeknights or special occasions.

🛒 Steps:

1. Cook shellbows pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, onions, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
4. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Philadelphia cream cheese, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Add cooked chicken and shellbows pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed, sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve hot.

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the ultimate Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta, choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods is essential. Fresh chicken seasoned generously with Cajun spices ensures bold, flavorful bites. Using shellbows pasta allows the creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce to cling perfectly, creating a rich, indulgent dish. Combining heavy cream, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a silky, velvety sauce, while sautéed garlic, onions, and bell peppers add aromatic depth. Following these expert tips guarantees that your easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta will be perfectly balanced, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor.

💡 Expert Tips:

1. Use fresh chicken breasts and dice them evenly for consistent cooking in your creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe.
2. Don’t overcook shellbows pasta—al dente pasta holds the Cajun chicken pasta sauce better.
3. Sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers before adding cream to maximize flavor in your easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
4. Stir cream cheese into heavy cream gradually to prevent lumps and create a smooth Cajun chicken pasta sauce.
5. Customize spice levels by adding extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for a bolder creamy Cajun chicken pasta flavor.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for visual appeal and enhanced taste.

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

Buttery Shrimp Stuffed Croissants – Easy, Delicious, and Family-Friendly

Cheesy Bacon Mac Burger Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe – Quick & Crispy

Garlic Spinach Stuffed Chicken with Mozzarella – Easy & Family-Friendly

Lightened Chicken And Dumplings – Cozy, Healthy Southern Comfort Food

Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that brings together tender Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly cooked shellbows, and a rich, creamy Cajun chicken pasta sauce. This easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you crave a comforting, customizable meal. With simple ingredients, expert tips, and endless variations, you can enjoy a bold, satisfying, and indulgent one-pot pasta that everyone will love.

Cajun Chicken Shellbows Pasta

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and shell-shaped pasta tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, this pasta is easy to make yet packed with flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, diced

• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) shell pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 oz (115 g) Philadelphia cream cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: pinch of cayenne for extra heat

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

• Extra Parmesan

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper until soft. Reduce heat and stir in cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss until well coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Plate the pasta, sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
• Make Ahead: Cook chicken and sauce separately, store in fridge. Reheat and combine with pasta when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course / Pasta
• Method: Sauté / Stove-top
• Cuisine: Cajun / American