Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is an absolute flavor bomb. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken tossed with tender pasta, blanketed in a luscious sauce that’s rich with roasted garlic and melty feta cheese. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, it’s topped off with crispy chickpeas for a satisfying crunch in every bite.

It’s a pasta dish that hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, tangy, and crunchy. The whipped roasted garlic feta adds an indulgent tangy kick, while the crispy chickpeas bring that texture party to the table. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting but still a little fancy.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

You’ll love how it comes together in just about 30 minutes but tastes like something from your favorite cozy bistro. The Cajun spices wake up your palate, and the silky feta sauce ties it all together with velvety richness. This pasta is hearty enough to satisfy and elevated enough to impress.

Plus, it’s a full meal in one bowl with protein, carbs, dairy, and fiber. Easy to make, easy to love.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

This recipe is really flexible. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully, holding onto the creamy sauce in their curves. But if you want a slurp-worthy experience, go for linguine or fettuccine. The goal is to choose a pasta with enough surface area to catch that flavorful sauce and support the hearty toppings.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

The ingredients for this bold and creamy pasta are pantry-friendly but come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a key role in layering flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable.

  • Chicken breast: Adds hearty protein and soaks up all that Cajun flavor.
  • Cajun seasoning: The key flavor base. It brings the heat, smokiness, and boldness.
  • Pasta: Penne or fettuccine both work well for holding the sauce.
  • Feta cheese: Tangy and creamy, it forms the foundation of the whipped sauce.
  • Garlic: Roasted until golden for sweetness and depth in the feta whip.
  • Chickpeas: Roasted for a crispy contrast that’s both nutty and crunchy.
  • Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every noodle.
  • Olive oil: Used to roast garlic and chickpeas and sear the chicken.
  • Salt & pepper: To bring balance and enhance every other flavor.
  • Lemon juice: Just a touch to brighten the whipped feta.
Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Chickpeas

Peel a head of garlic, toss the cloves with olive oil, and roast at 400°F until golden and soft. On a separate tray, toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and a bit of Cajun seasoning. Roast until crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta

Blend roasted garlic with feta, a little olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, and a few tablespoons of water until creamy and fluffy.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, pour in heavy cream and warm through. Stir in the whipped feta mixture and a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth and luscious.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss in the cooked pasta and Cajun chicken. Coat everything in the sauce. Serve hot, topped with crispy chickpeas and a little extra sprinkle of feta if you like.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served hot right off the stove, when the sauce is silky and the crispy chickpeas are still crunchy. It feeds about four people generously, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy date night with leftovers.

If you’re storing leftovers, keep the pasta and chickpeas separate. The pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The chickpeas should be stored in a dry container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Reheat the pasta gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread with a Twist

Try it with this garlic bread made with roasted garlic and herb butter for the ultimate side.

Cajun Potato Soup

A small cup of this spicy, creamy soup makes a wonderful first course alongside the pasta.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Grilled Zucchini and Peppers

Charred veggies add smoky contrast and extra color to your plate.

Sparkling Citrus Iced Tea

Cool down the Cajun spice with a chilled glass of citrus iced tea.

Crusty Sourdough Rolls

The perfect mop for leftover sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Bright, snappy asparagus is a fresh and elegant touch.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

For a sweet-savory side that echoes the Southern flavors, this corn dish fits perfectly.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, here are some other incredible pasta dishes that bring big flavor and comforting vibes:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra heat? Swap in shrimp? Go lighter on the cream?

I love seeing all the ways you make these recipes your own. Questions or tips are welcome too—let’s make dinner magic together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and flavorful meal ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen obsession!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas brings that irresistible mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy all into one skillet. It’s a bold dish made for people who want something hearty with a twist.

From the tangy whipped feta to the crispy chickpeas and that sultry Cajun-spiced chicken, this is one of those meals you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need comfort food with a kick.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta and Crispy Chickpeas is a flavor-packed dinner featuring spicy Cajun chicken, silky whipped feta sauce, and crunchy roasted chickpeas. Perfect for cozy nights or easy entertaining, this pasta dish is rich, creamy, and satisfying with every bite.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

6 oz feta cheese

1 head garlic

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup heavy cream

4 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Peel garlic cloves, toss with olive oil, and roast at 400°F until soft and golden.

2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and Cajun seasoning; roast until crispy.

3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Slice chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until cooked through.

5. Blend roasted garlic, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of water until smooth and fluffy.

6. In the chicken skillet, heat heavy cream, then stir in whipped feta and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

7. Add pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.

8. Plate the pasta and top with crispy chickpeas and optional extra feta. Serve hot.

Notes

This dish tastes best fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.

Keep chickpeas separate to retain crispiness.

Reheat pasta gently with added cream or milk.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star