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Sliced seasoned chicken served over creamy pasta

30-Minute Dinners

Cajun Crispy Chicken & Pepper Pasta

Crispy chicken cutlets over creamy Cajun pasta with peppers, onions, and Parmesan.

Developed for DishGal · Updated 2026-08-18

30-Minute DinnersEasy Chicken Recipes
Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Cost$4.25

Directions

  1. Bread the chicken

    Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Dredge in flour, egg, then panko.

  2. Crisp

    Shallow-fry chicken in oil over medium-high until golden and 165°F, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Rest on a rack.

  3. Cook pasta

    Boil linguine until al dente and reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  4. Build the sauce

    Sauté peppers and onion until crisp-tender. Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, then broth and cream. Simmer 3 minutes.

  5. Finish

    Toss pasta with Parmesan and enough pasta water to coat. Slice chicken over top and finish with scallions.

Why this works

Why it worksA rack keeps the chicken crust crisp while the sauce finishes.
Why it worksCajun seasoning is split between chicken and sauce for layered flavor.
Why it worksPeppers stay slightly firm so the pasta has texture.

Useful kitchen gear

Tools that make this easier.

Compare the function and specifications first; skip anything your kitchen already handles well.

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Compare on AmazonPasta pot and colanderChoose stable handles and a size that fits the dinners you actually cook.See current options → Compare on AmazonFine graterUseful for citrus, hard cheese, garlic and finishing details.See current options → Compare on AmazonKitchen tongsA dependable tool for tossing, turning and serving.See current options →

Swaps & notes

Easy swaps

  • Use shrimp instead of chicken.
  • Use smoked paprika plus oregano if you do not have Cajun seasoning.
  • Half-and-half can replace cream.

Cook notes

  • Taste Cajun seasoning before adding extra salt.
  • Do not put fried chicken directly into the sauce or the crust will soften.

Storage

Refrigerate chicken and pasta separately up to 3 days. Re-crisp chicken in an air fryer or oven.

Questions

Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes. Spray well and air fry at 390°F until crisp and cooked through.

How spicy is this?

Usually medium. Cajun blends vary, so adjust to your brand.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes. Brown sliced mushrooms before the peppers.

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Cajun Crispy Chicken & Pepper Pasta
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1. Bread the chickenSeason chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Dredge in flour, egg, then panko.
2. CrispShallow-fry chicken in oil over medium-high until golden and 165°F, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Rest on a rack.
3. Cook pastaBoil linguine until al dente and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
4. Build the sauceSauté peppers and onion until crisp-tender. Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning, then broth and cream. Simmer 3 minutes.
5. FinishToss pasta with Parmesan and enough pasta water to coat. Slice chicken over top and finish with scallions.