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

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas 1

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Imagine twirling your fork into a silky bed of pasta coated in a spicy Cajun cream sauce, each bite layered with juicy seared chicken, roasted garlic whipped feta that melts into every swirl, and a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas for crunch. This dish doesn’t just fill you up—it excites your taste buds with bold flavors and comforting textures.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this pasta brings together the richness of cream, the kick of Cajun spice, and a luxurious topping that makes it restaurant-worthy right from your kitchen. With a balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch, it’s a dish that satisfies on every level.


What Makes This Cajun Pasta Stand Out?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrast—creamy sauce against crispy chickpeas, bold Cajun flavors softened by the tangy whipped feta, and hearty pasta balanced with tender chicken. Unlike traditional Alfredo or marinara pasta dishes, this one delivers depth and character, transforming a simple bowl of noodles into a complete flavor experience.


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

  • Chicken breast – Lean protein that takes on the Cajun spice beautifully.
  • Pasta (penne or fettuccine) – Sturdy noodles that soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Cajun seasoning – The heart of the recipe, adding smoky heat and depth.
  • Heavy cream – Creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese – Melts into the cream for extra richness and flavor.
  • Garlic bulb (for roasting) – Softens into sweet, nutty caramelized cloves for the whipped feta.
  • Feta cheese – Blended with roasted garlic for a tangy, creamy topping.
  • Chickpeas – Roasted until golden and crisp, offering a crunchy contrast.
  • Olive oil – Helps roast garlic and chickpeas while enhancing flavor.
  • Fresh parsley – Adds a bright, fresh finish to balance the richness.
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How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Garlic & Chickpeas

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and golden (about 35 minutes). At the same time, spread drained chickpeas on a baking sheet, season with olive oil, salt, and paprika, then roast until crispy. These will be the flavor-packed toppers that take this dish over the top.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving about a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Slice into strips and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté a little garlic and Cajun seasoning in butter until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.

Step 5: Whip the Feta with Roasted Garlic

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and blend them with feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil until fluffy and spreadable. This whipped topping will be dolloped on top of the pasta just before serving.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Plate the creamy Cajun pasta, top with sliced chicken, add a generous spoonful of whipped roasted garlic feta, and finish with crispy chickpeas and fresh parsley.


Serving and Storing Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet. The whipped feta will melt gently into the creamy sauce, while the crispy chickpeas stay crunchy on top. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days—just reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silkiness.


What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate side to soak up extra sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a lighter pairing.

Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Parmesan Baked Potatoes

These hearty Parmesan Baked Potatoes make the meal extra comforting.

Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce

Add seafood flair with Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce.

Cheeseburger Soup

For a cozy double course, serve with a small bowl of Cheeseburger Soup.

Simple Green Beans Almondine

Crisp-tender green beans with buttery almonds offer a clean, crunchy contrast.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Twist?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from my kitchen:


Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious Cajun chicken pasta idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find whenever that creamy-spicy craving hits.

Tried it with a twist—maybe jalapeños for extra heat or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness? Drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite is waiting there.


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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas 1

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


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 55
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Crave a bold, creamy pasta that still feels fresh and exciting? This skillet-tossed Cajun chicken pasta layers juicy spiced chicken with a silky cream sauce, a cool cloud of whipped roasted-garlic feta, and a shower of crispy chickpeas for crunch. It’s a restaurant-style easy dinner that lands on the table in under an hour—perfect for weeknights, cozy dinner ideas, or meal-prep lunches. Smoky heat, Parmesan richness, and tangy feta make every bite unforgettable.


Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

15 oz can chickpeas drained and patted dry

1 bulb garlic

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded 3/4 inch thick

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided

1 tsp smoked paprika

3 tbsp olive oil divided

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

6 oz feta cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

0.5 cup reserved pasta water as needed

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1.25 tsp kosher salt divided

0.5 tsp black pepper

0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional


Instructions

1. Heat oven and prep toppings: Preheat to 400°F. Slice top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and place on a small pan.

2. Roast chickpeas: On a sheet pan, toss chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and smoked paprika. Roast chickpeas and garlic together 25–35 minutes until chickpeas are crisp and garlic is soft.

3. Boil pasta: Cook penne in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

4. Season chicken: Pat chicken dry; season with 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper.

5. Sear chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

6. Make sauce base: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and remaining 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. Finish the cream sauce: Stir in heavy cream; simmer gently 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water as needed; adjust salt and red pepper flakes to taste.

8. Toss pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet; toss to coat in sauce.

9. Whip the feta: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins into a mini processor; add feta and lemon juice. Blend until fluffy (add 1–2 tsp olive oil if needed).

10. Assemble & serve: Plate sauced pasta, top with sliced chicken, dollop whipped roasted-garlic feta, and finish with crispy chickpeas and parsley.

Notes

Salt watch: Cajun blends vary in saltiness. Start light, then season the sauce at the end.

Crispier chickpeas: Dry them well and don’t overcrowd the pan; shake once halfway through roasting.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop, Oven
  • Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 980
  • Fat: 32
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 68
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 45
  • Cholesterol: 135

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, whipped feta, crispy chickpeas, easy dinner, weeknight pasta

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