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

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

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A rich, spicy, and satisfying dish, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than just comfort food. Juicy, seasoned chicken mingles with a velvety Cajun cream sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta, delivering heat and depth in every bite. The whipped roasted garlic feta adds a luscious, tangy note that balances the spice, while crispy chickpeas bring an irresistible crunch.

This recipe is a showstopper for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. It transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. Every forkful offers the perfect combination of bold Cajun flavors, creamy indulgence, and textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

You get the best of all worlds — a silky sauce with just the right level of Cajun kick, succulent chicken with a smoky char, and a unique topping of airy whipped feta that melts luxuriously into the hot pasta. The crispy chickpeas not only elevate the flavor profile but also make every bite more exciting. It’s a satisfying, wholesome dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

While you can use any pasta you like, shapes that catch and hold the creamy Cajun sauce work particularly well. Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are excellent choices, but rotini or cavatappi will also deliver a delightful experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh homemade pasta will take this recipe to the next level.

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

This recipe blends bold spices, creamy textures, and crunchy toppings to create a truly unforgettable pasta dish. Each ingredient serves a purpose, contributing either depth of flavor, richness, or that essential finishing crunch.

  • Chicken breast – tender, lean protein that absorbs the Cajun spices beautifully.
  • Cajun seasoning – the heart of the dish, delivering warmth, smokiness, and spice.
  • Pasta – the canvas for the creamy sauce, with shapes that hold onto every drop.
  • Heavy cream – gives the sauce its silky, rich texture.
  • Parmesan cheese – adds a nutty depth and enhances creaminess.
  • Feta cheese – the base for the whipped topping, tangy and luxurious.
  • Garlic – roasted until sweet and mellow, then whipped into the feta.
  • Chickpeas – roasted to crisp perfection for texture contrast.
  • Olive oil – for sautéing and roasting, adding fruity richness.
  • Salt and pepper – essential for balancing and amplifying flavors.
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Chickpeas

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and fragrant. At the same time, toss drained chickpeas with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning, then roast on a baking sheet until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta

In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic cloves, feta cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken in olive oil for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Simmer until slightly thickened, then adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, a generous dollop of whipped roasted garlic feta, and a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

This hearty pasta serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or for impressing guests. Serve it straight from the skillet while the sauce is hot, the feta is melting into the pasta, and the chickpeas are perfectly crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Keep the chickpeas separate so they stay crunchy when reheated.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Garlic Bread with Herbed Butter

Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to mop up every drop of creamy Cajun sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and earthy sweetness.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Lightly charred corn brushed with butter and a sprinkle of paprika complements the Cajun flavors beautifully.

Caprese Skewers

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing bite.

Sautéed Green Beans

Green beans with garlic and a squeeze of lemon bring brightness and crunch to the plate.

Sparkling Lemon Water

A simple, bubbly drink to cleanse the palate between bites of creamy pasta.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas has you hooked, you might love exploring these other flavorful pasta creations from Luna Meals:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can return to it anytime.

I’d love to know how it turns out for you. Did you add extra heat? Try a different pasta shape? Maybe even swap the chickpeas for crispy bacon? Share your twist in the comments so we can inspire each other to keep cooking creatively.

Explore more vibrant and creative dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next must-try meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas blends spice, creaminess, and texture in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s a dish that feels gourmet yet comes together with ease, perfect for both casual nights in and special occasions. Once you taste that creamy sauce with the tangy whipped feta and those crunchy chickpeas, you’ll understand why it deserves a place in your regular recipe rotation.

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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


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  • Author: Luna Bailey
  • Total Time: 50
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with whipped roasted garlic feta and crispy chickpeas is the ultimate weeknight dinner: spicy, velvety, and loaded with texture. This easy creamy Cajun pasta features tender chicken, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and a tangy whipped feta topping for a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, whipped feta, roasted garlic, crispy chickpeas, spicy pasta, weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 head garlic

4 oz feta cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and dried

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water


Instructions

1. Roast the garlic. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast 35 to 40 minutes until caramel-soft.

2. Crisp the chickpeas. Pat chickpeas very dry, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Roast on a sheet pan 20 to 30 minutes, shaking once, until deep golden and crunchy.

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

4. Season the chicken. Pound to even thickness if needed. Sprinkle all over with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

5. Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

6. Whip the feta. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a food processor. Add feta and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; blend with 1 to 3 tablespoons warm water until silky and spreadable.

7. Make the sauce. Lower skillet heat to medium. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a pinch of Cajun seasoning.

8. Sauce the pasta. Toss pasta into the skillet, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and creamy.

9. Plate and top. Portion pasta, fan sliced chicken over each bowl, dollop with whipped roasted garlic feta, and shower with crispy chickpeas.

10. Finish. Garnish with parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep chickpeas crisp by storing them at room temperature in a small open container and adding only at serving.

If the sauce thickens as it sits, loosen with a spoon of warm pasta water or milk over low heat.

For extra tang, blend a teaspoon of lemon juice into the whipped feta.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop + Oven
  • Cuisine: Cajun-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 960
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 1100
  • Fat: 40
  • Saturated Fat: 20
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 90
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 55
  • Cholesterol: 190

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