Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

When you need a bold, flavorful dinner that delivers both comfort and kick, this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is everything. It’s the kind of meal that makes the kitchen smell like a Southern dream and gets everyone hovering near the stove before it’s even plated. Imagine juicy chicken bites coated in a sweet and spicy Cajun glaze, seared to perfection and tossed with creamy pasta that soaks up every drop of flavor.
This recipe is equal parts fiery and buttery, with that sweet honey twist balancing the heat just right. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, spicy without blowing your taste buds, and downright addictive. If you’re a fan of dishes that flirt with both comfort and heat, you’re going to fall hard for this one.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
From busy weeknights to weekend comfort cravings, this recipe fits it all. It uses everyday ingredients but tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Cajun restaurant. The honey butter melts into the chicken and creates a rich glaze that turns each bite into magic. And when that glaze meets creamy pasta? Pure heaven.
It’s customizable, too. Add your favorite veggies, switch up the pasta type, or even make it lighter with Greek yogurt instead of cream. The base is foolproof and flexible, which makes it a repeat-worthy hit.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the real MVP for this recipe. They’re juicy, forgiving if slightly overcooked, and they hold onto the Cajun spices like a dream. But if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work great too—just be sure not to overcook them so they stay tender. If you’re in a pinch, even rotisserie chicken can be a solid shortcut, though it won’t give you that golden honey butter sear.
Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
The ingredients here bring all the boldness of Cajun cooking into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. Each element plays a role in building layers of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavor.
- Chicken thighs
- Cajun seasoning
- Honey
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)


How To Make the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Coat the chicken thighs generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and honey. Stir until melted together, then toss the chicken back in to coat well. Let it simmer until sticky and glossy.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken simmers, cook your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet (wipe it if needed), add a little more butter and garlic. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer. Mix in parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta into the sauce. Toss in the honey butter chicken. Stir gently to combine and let everything warm together for a minute.
Step 6: Serve with a Kick
Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice, or leave it out for a milder version.
How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
This hearty dish is best served fresh off the stove, with the sauce still velvety and clinging to every piece of pasta. Dish it up in shallow bowls so the chicken can nestle into the creamy noodles, and don’t forget an extra spoonful of sauce on top. It feeds about 4 hungry people, or up to 6 if you’re serving it alongside other sides.
Leftovers are a treat, too. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta?
Garlic Bread with a Crunch
The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs perfectly with the spicy creaminess of the pasta.
Roasted Asparagus
A touch of char and freshness helps balance the richness of the dish.
Creamy Coleslaw
The cool, tangy crunch is the ultimate contrast to the bold Cajun flavors.
Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette
Keep it simple and refreshing. A lemony vinaigrette works best.
Southern Fried Okra
Crispy and nostalgic, fried okra adds another layer of Southern charm.
Cornbread Muffins
A sweet-savory classic that sops up the honey butter sauce beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Especially when slathered in butter and a sprinkle of Cajun spice.
Iced Sweet Tea
For a truly Southern-inspired meal, nothing cools the heat like a tall glass of sweet tea.
Want More Chicken & Pasta Ideas?
If you’re loving the flavor fusion in this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta, you’re in for a treat with these other crave-worthy creations:
- Try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a twist on chicken and pasta that’s indulgent and cheesy.
- Dig into the rich, smoky comfort of Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken when you’re craving deeper, spiced notes.
- Level up your pasta game with the Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for a faster, meatless option.
- Go bold with Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you’re into buttery sauces with a hint of zest.
- Or for a garlicky seafood vibe, check out the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
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 go heavy on the spice or double the honey? Did you sneak in some veggies or add a different pasta?
I love seeing how everyone personalizes their version. Feel free to share your tweaks or ask questions—let’s swap ideas and spice it up together.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and feel-good comfort foods on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next go-to favorite!
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta brings together everything we love in a dish: sweet heat, creamy richness, and satisfying texture. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside and gives you a little kick to keep things exciting.
Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re already planning a second round, keep this recipe close—it’s bound to be a repeat request at your dinner table.
Print
Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta recipe brings bold Cajun flavor with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creamy comfort. Juicy chicken, honey butter glaze, and rich pasta make this a weeknight favorite. Ideal for those seeking easy chicken pasta dinners with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Coat chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and honey. Return chicken and coat evenly, letting it simmer until sticky and glazed.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
5. In the skillet, add butter and garlic. Pour in heavy cream and simmer. Stir in parmesan and reserved pasta water until smooth.
6. Toss pasta and glazed chicken into the sauce. Mix gently to coat.
7. Serve hot with optional red pepper flakes for added spice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep sauce smooth.
You can swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg