Are you craving that creamy spicy absolutely delicious Cajun chicken pasta from Chili’s but don’t wanna leave your house? I totally get it! As a pasta lover who’s obsessed with recreating restaurant favorites, I’ve spent way too much time perfecting this recipe. Today, I’m gonna share my foolproof method to make Chili’s Cajun chicken pasta right in your own kitchen – and trust me, it might even taste better than the original!
What Makes This Cajun Chicken Pasta So Special?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is so darn good. Chili’s Cajun chicken pasta combines tender penne pasta with juicy chicken breast that’s coated in Cajun seasoning. Then it’s all tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Top it with diced tomatoes and parsley, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal that’ll impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this copycat recipe, you’ll need:
- 1/2 box penne pasta (about 8 ounces)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin cut)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pint half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon sliced flat-leaf parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to the package instructions. You want it al dente – still a bit firm when you bite into it. When it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting a nice sear on the chicken! Then, generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning until they’re completely covered.
Set a big pan on medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter. After you add the chicken that has been seasoned, cook it for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. The Cajun seasoning should give the chicken a beautiful crust. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
The browned bits are flavor gold, so don’t clean the pan. Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt in the same pan. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese. Then pour in the half-and-half. Stir everything together until well combined and remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now comes the fun part! Toss your cooked penne in the sauce until each piece is covered in the rich, creamy sauce. Put some pasta on each plate (this recipe makes enough for 4 people).
Slice your cooked Cajun chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Sprinkle each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes and a bit of parsley.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Don’t skimp on the Cajun seasoning – it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor! You can buy pre-made seasoning or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and salt.
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Even though it’s tempting to use Parmesan that has already been grated, use freshly grated Parmesan instead. It melts better and tastes better.
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Adjust the spice level – If you’re sensitive to heat, use less Cajun seasoning on the chicken or add a little less to the sauce. If you’re a spice lover like me, feel free to add more!
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Let the sauce thicken – If your sauce seems too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up. Just be careful not to let it reduce too much.
Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is amazing on its own, here are some ways to switch things up:
Add Some Veggies
Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them before making the sauce.
Seafood Twist
Swap the chicken for shrimp or even a combo of shrimp and chicken for a surf and turf version.
Lighter Option
Use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter (but still delicious) version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When I first tried making this dish, I made some rookie errors. Don’t be like me – avoid these common mistakes:
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Overcooking the pasta – Nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook it just until al dente.
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Not seasoning the chicken enough – The Cajun seasoning is what makes this dish special, so be generous with it.
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Letting the sauce break – If your heat is too high, the sauce might separate. Keep it on medium-low when making the sauce.
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Skipping the resting time – Let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep all those juices inside.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
What I love about this copycat Chili’s Cajun chicken pasta recipe is how foolproof it is. Even if you’re not super confident in the kitchen, you can totally nail this dish. The combination of the spicy Cajun chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a balanced meal that’s satisfying and impressive.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is definitely hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, but if you wanna make it a complete Chili’s experience, serve it with:
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to sop up that amazing sauce
- A simple side salad with ranch dressing
- A tall glass of sweet iced tea
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta reheats beautifully:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until just warmed through
Final Thoughts
Making Chili’s Cajun chicken pasta at home is not just cheaper than going to the restaurant – it’s also super satisfying to create such a delicious meal from scratch. Plus, you can customize it exactly to your taste preferences!
I make this recipe at least once a month, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something about that creamy, spicy sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta and seasoned chicken that just hits the spot every time.
So next time you’re craving Chili’s but don’t wanna go out, give this recipe a try. I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to dinner recipes too!
FAQ About Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but I’d recommend keeping the pasta, sauce, and chicken separate until serving time. Reheat the sauce gently, toss with the pasta, then top with reheated chicken.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less seasoning according to your preference.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
You can use equal parts heavy cream and milk as a substitute. For a lighter option, you could use just milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is traditional for this dish, any medium-sized pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle would work great.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white with no pink.
Now go get cooking and enjoy your homemade Chili’s Cajun chicken pasta! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
