Name: Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional); 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; salt to taste; pepper to taste

Looking for a dinner that delivers comfort, heat, and sweetness all in one bite? Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta is the knockout combo your dinner table has been craving. This dish pairs juicy, golden-seared Cajun chicken bites with buttery ribbons of pasta coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect marriage of bold Louisiana flavor and comforting creamy texture, making it an irresistible option for busy weeknights or weekend indulgence.

Every bite is loaded with flavor—from the charred Cajun spices on the chicken to the creamy, honey-infused butter sauce draping each pasta strand. The contrast of spicy, sweet, and savory gives it that unforgettable kick that lingers just right. It comes together in under 30 minutes, yet feels like something you’d order at a cozy Southern bistro.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, fettuccine or tagliatelle is highly recommended. Their wide, flat shape holds onto the rich honey butter sauce beautifully. But if you prefer penne or even spaghetti, go ahead—this sauce is versatile and will wrap around any pasta shape with ease. Fresh or dried pasta both work well here; just cook it al dente so it doesn’t go mushy in the final toss.

Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Chicken Thighs or Breasts
These are the star of the show. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites, though breasts work well too.

Cajun Seasoning
This spice mix is what brings the heat and deep flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.

Honey
The sweetness here balances the spice and caramelizes beautifully when it hits the pan, creating a sticky glaze that coats the chicken.

Butter
This adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, helping everything cling to the pasta.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a bold aromatic foundation.

Heavy Cream (Optional)
For those who love a slightly creamy finish, a splash of heavy cream in the sauce takes it to the next level.

Pasta
Fettuccine is ideal, but any pasta will soak up the sauce just fine.

Fresh Parsley
A handful of chopped parsley at the end gives the dish color and freshness to contrast the richness.

Olive Oil
Used for searing the chicken, giving it a nice golden crust.

How To Make the Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry and toss in a generous amount of Cajun seasoning. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear until deeply golden on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, stirring until fragrant. Pour in the honey and stir until it bubbles gently. If using heavy cream, stir it in now to create a velvety finish.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the honey butter sauce. Add cooked pasta and splash in the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss everything until the pasta is well coated and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and top with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

How to Serve and Store Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta

This pasta dish is best served hot right out of the pan, when the honey butter sauce is silky and the Cajun spices are most aromatic. Plate it with a sprinkle of extra parsley and even a bit of grated Parmesan if you love a cheesy touch.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to bring back its sauciness.

Freezing is not ideal due to the honey-based sauce and potential texture changes in the pasta, but if needed, freeze only the chicken portion and prepare fresh pasta when reheating.

What to Serve With Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken & Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to mop up any extra sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp arugula or romaine salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed in olive oil and sea salt, oven-roasted broccoli adds crunch and an earthy balance.

Creamy Coleslaw

A cool, creamy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm spice.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn with butter and a dash of Cajun seasoning echoes the Southern vibes.

Sautéed Spinach

Quickly wilted spinach with garlic and lemon brightens up the plate without overpowering.

Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness makes a delicious match for the honey glaze in the dish.

Iced Sweet Tea

For a Southern classic pairing, serve with a chilled glass of homemade sweet tea.

Want More Chicken & Pasta Recipes?

If this spicy Cajun honey butter chicken hit the spot, you’ll want to check out these creamy, saucy, and flavor-loaded dishes too:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a garlicky and comforting skillet meal.
Creamy Beef and Shells when you’re craving a one-pot cheesy classic.
Smoky Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta if you love a hint of smokiness in your creamy pastas.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta when you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a twist on your favorite sandwich.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use thighs or breasts? Did you throw in veggies or keep it classic?

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