Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor in every bite. Juicy air-fried chicken pairs perfectly with a rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta for a fast dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
If you love bold flavor and hate doing dishes, Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta is about to be your new weeknight hero.
Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken cooks fast in the air fryer, then gets tossed with tender pasta and a creamy, spicy sauce that tastes like restaurant comfort food without the price tag or the hassle.
This is the kind of dinner that feels a little indulgent but still comes together fast enough for real life.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Big Cajun flavor without standing over the stove
- Air fryer chicken stays juicy, not dry
- Creamy pasta that tastes like a restaurant dish
- Weeknight-friendly and done fast
- Easy to customize with veggies or extra spice!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breast, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Olive Oil: You can also use unsalted butter
- Onions: Use regular, sweet onions, or Vivaldaia onions.
- Psata: Use etiehr penne pasta or ziti pasta.
- Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or regular tomatoes.
- Chicken Broth: Or use chicken stock, homemade or store-bought
- Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese.
- Seasonings/Spices: Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Thyme, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, and Salt.
How To Make Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step One: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasonings until well blended. Pat the rinsed chicken breasts dry and spray both sides with the cooking spray. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts on both sides to coat evenly.
Step Two: Working in batches if needed, place chicken breasts in your air fryer basket and set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F. And set cook time for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is finished cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Step Three: Prepare the pasta, as directed, on the package.
Step Four: In a large skillet add the butter and onions. Saute until the onions are translucent, fold in the fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth, and mix well. Bring to a small simmer, and remove from heat. When the pasta is fully cooked, fold in the drained pasta, add the cream cheese, and mix until the cream cheese is melted, toss in the chicken, and mix well, right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the Cajun spices stick and don’t slide off.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste since some blends bring serious heat.
- Slice the chicken after resting for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy once mixed with the sauce.
- Toss everything together while the pasta is hot so the sauce coats evenly.
Storing Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring it back to life.
Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different cut of chicken? Yes. Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy, just add a few more minutes of cook time.
Is this recipe very spicy? It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some are mild, others bring the heat, so start light and add more if needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, then combine and reheat before serving for best texture.
What pasta works best for Cajun chicken pasta? Penne, rotini, or fettuccine hold the sauce well and won’t fall apart when mixed.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach mix in easily and boost flavor.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out? Add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes. Swap the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream with good results.
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Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken:
- 1 tablespon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, and skinless
Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onions, sliced
- 1/2 pound dry pasta, penne or ziti
- 15 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasonings until well blended. Pat the rinsed chicken breasts dry and spray both sides with the cooking spray. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken breasts on both sides to coat evenly.
- Working in batches if needed, place chicken breasts in your air fryer basket and set the air fryer setting to 375F. Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is finished cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Prepare the pasta, as directed, on the package, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet add the butter and onions. Saute until the onions are translucent, fold in the fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth, and mix well. Bring to a small simmer, and remove from heat. When the pasta is fully cooked, fold in the drained pasta, add the cream cheese, and mix until the cream cheese is melted, toss in the chicken, and mix well, right before serving.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
Nutrition
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