Ever craved a pasta dish that blends creamy comfort with a little spice kick, and still manages to bring in a crunchy bite? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas does exactly that. Each forkful gives you the tender juiciness of Cajun-spiced chicken, the tangy-smooth delight of whipped feta, and the addictive crunch of roasted chickpeas — all tied together by silky pasta.

It’s a dish that feels like an indulgent restaurant order but can easily be recreated at home in under an hour. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this pasta checks all the boxes: flavorful, textural, and satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this layered pasta experience is all about having the right tools and understanding their purpose:

Large pot for pasta: Ensures even boiling and space for pasta to cook without sticking.
Non-stick skillet: Perfect for searing Cajun chicken evenly without burning spices.
Baking sheet: Needed for roasting chickpeas until crisp and golden.
Food processor or blender: Essential for achieving the ultra-smooth whipped roasted garlic feta.
Mixing bowls: Keeps each component prepped and ready for assembly.

Having these tools at the ready makes the cooking process smoother, helping you nail every texture from creamy to crispy.

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The lean protein base that soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: Brings smoky heat and depth to the chicken.
Spaghetti or linguine pasta: A long pasta holds the creamy sauce well.
Chickpeas: Roasted for crunch, adding protein and texture.
Olive oil: Helps with roasting and searing while enhancing flavor.
Feta cheese: Creates the tangy whipped topping.
Roasted garlic: Adds sweetness and depth to the whipped feta.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.
Fresh parsley: For color and a pop of freshness.
Salt & pepper: Balances and enhances all flavors.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas to Perfection

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain and pat dry chickpeas, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Step 2: Whip the Roasted Garlic Feta

In a food processor, combine feta cheese, roasted garlic cloves, and a splash of olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 4: Prepare the Cajun Chicken

Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat, add heavy cream and a spoonful of pasta water. Stir to create a smooth sauce, scraping up any chicken bits for flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Toss pasta in the sauce, plate with Cajun chicken on top, add whipped roasted garlic feta, and sprinkle roasted chickpeas. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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

Serve this pasta immediately for the best texture contrast — the whipped feta should be cool and creamy, the chickpeas freshly crisp, and the chicken tender. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, also complements the dish beautifully.

For storage, keep components separate if possible: pasta and sauce in one container, chicken in another, chickpeas in an airtight jar, and whipped feta in a sealed dish. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta gently with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce, and roast chickpeas briefly to re-crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

It varies by brand, but most Cajun blends have moderate heat from paprika and cayenne. You can reduce the spice by using less seasoning or opting for a mild blend.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu work wonderfully with the Cajun flavors.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can be used, though the sauce will be slightly lighter in texture.

How do I make roasted garlic at home?

Slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes — simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free version, and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Do I have to whip the feta?

Not necessarily, but whipping creates a smoother, creamier texture that blends beautifully with the pasta and chicken.

Want More Cajun Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hit the spot, you might love exploring more spicy, creamy pasta creations. Try my Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for a veggie boost, or dig into the smoky twist of One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta.

Seafood lovers might prefer the bold flavors in my Louisiana Seafood Gumbo — not a pasta, but packed with Cajun flair. And if you’re after pure comfort, the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta delivers just the right balance of heat and creaminess.

For even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board where I share daily recipe ideas from pastas to decadent desserts.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner ideas board for easy access next time — just hit the Pin button.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you try shrimp instead of chicken? Drop a comment and share your twist; I’m always curious how others bring their own flavor to the plate.

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

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas blends smoky-spicy Cajun chicken, silky pasta in a rich cream sauce, tangy whipped feta, and crispy roasted chickpeas for a textural and flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under an hour.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes until crispy.

2. In a food processor, blend feta, roasted garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

4. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

5. Lower skillet heat, add heavy cream and a splash of pasta water. Stir, scraping up browned bits to make a smooth sauce.

6. Toss pasta in the sauce. Plate with chicken, top with whipped feta, sprinkle chickpeas, and garnish with parsley.