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

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Take your pasta night to the next level with this flavor-loaded bowl that has it all — spicy, creamy, tangy, and crunchy. Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold, smoky heat wrapped around tender noodles, while whipped roasted garlic feta brings a luxurious, tangy creaminess that balances every bite. And the real surprise? Crispy chickpeas tossed with paprika and herbs that give the whole dish a satisfying crunch.

It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-worthy experience but is simple enough to make at home. Every component adds something special, and together, they create a pasta dish that’s anything but ordinary.


Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

  • Layers of texture: creamy pasta, juicy chicken, fluffy whipped feta, and crispy chickpeas
  • Smoky Cajun flavor without overpowering heat
  • Whipped feta brings brightness and balance
  • Chickpeas add plant-based protein and crunch
  • Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep with flair

What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Spaghetti or linguine work great here because they wrap beautifully around the creamy sauce and let the whipped feta cling to every strand. Want something shorter? Try penne or fusilli for a more spoon-friendly version. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce and toppings.


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

This recipe is all about bold flavors and perfect texture contrasts. Each ingredient brings something special:

  • Chicken breast – Tender and lean, perfect for soaking up Cajun seasoning.
  • Cajun seasoning – Smoky, spicy, and savory, it gives the chicken its bold kick.
  • Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken and roasting the chickpeas.
  • Garlic (whole and minced) – Adds depth to the whipped feta and enhances the overall flavor.
  • Feta cheese – Whipped with roasted garlic for a tangy, creamy topping.
  • Greek yogurt or cream cheese – Makes the whipped feta even smoother and more spreadable.
  • Spaghetti or linguine pasta – Holds the creamy Cajun sauce well.
  • Heavy cream – The base of the rich, velvety Cajun pasta sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and depth to the sauce.
  • Chickpeas (canned, drained, and dried) – Roasted to golden crispiness.
  • Paprika and cumin – Season the chickpeas with warmth and flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
  • Fresh parsley – For garnish and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Wrap whole garlic cloves in foil with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas

Toss drained and dried chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti or linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Cube the chicken and season with Cajun spices. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic, then pour in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer and thicken. Add Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Feta

Blend the roasted garlic, feta cheese, and Greek yogurt or cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add a bit of olive oil for extra richness.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Toss the pasta in the Cajun cream sauce, fold in the cooked chicken, and plate it up. Add dollops of whipped feta and top with crispy chickpeas.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the contrast of creamy, crispy, and spicy!


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

This hearty, flavor-packed recipe serves 4–5 people comfortably. It’s perfect for a satisfying dinner or impressive weekend lunch. Each bite gives you something new — creamy pasta, juicy chicken, cooling feta, and crispy chickpeas.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Store pasta and chicken in one airtight container and the chickpeas in another to keep them crisp. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Reheat chickpeas in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crunch.


What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas?

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Its peppery freshness adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Naan or Toasted Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping up whipped feta and creamy sauce.

Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

Light and vibrant veggies balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Add a touch of natural sweetness to complement the smoky Cajun spice.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)

A cooling, creamy contrast to the heat and spice.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Dry Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc

If you’re serving wine, go with something crisp and acidic to cut through the creamy textures.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just leave out the chicken and double up on the crispy chickpeas or add roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

Is whipped feta spicy?

Not at all! It’s creamy, tangy, and garlicky — a perfect contrast to the spicy Cajun chicken.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, just check the label for salt content. Some are very salty, so adjust the added salt in your recipe accordingly.

How do I keep the chickpeas crispy?

Store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the chicken, roast the garlic, make the whipped feta, and even roast the chickpeas ahead. Just cook the pasta fresh and assemble everything when you’re ready to eat.


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

Tell me how yours turned out in the comments — did you go bold with the Cajun or keep it mellow? Add extra feta? Maybe a drizzle of hot honey?

This is the kind of dish that’s made to be customized, and I love hearing your spins on it.

Looking for more flavor-packed creations? Visit Tanya Recipes on Pinterest for fresh and colorful meal ideas that don’t hold back!


Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas is more than just a pasta dish — it’s a full-on flavor experience. From spicy to tangy, crunchy to creamy, every bite is dynamic and deeply satisfying.

This recipe is proof that a balanced bowl can be exciting and comforting all at once. Save it for when you want to wow your tastebuds — or anyone else at the table.


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

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


  • Author: Tanya Rivers
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Whipped Roasted Garlic Feta & Crispy Chickpeas is an explosion of flavors and textures. Spicy Cajun chicken meets velvety pasta sauce, crowned with fluffy whipped feta and a handful of crispy, spiced chickpeas for that perfect crunch. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a protein-packed meal, or a fresh twist on comfort food, this bold and balanced recipe will hit every craving. Ideal for weeknights or hosting, it brings together heat, creaminess, and crunch in every satisfying bite.


Ingredients

1.25 lb chicken breast

1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, whole

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 oz feta cheese

2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese

10 oz spaghetti or linguine pasta

1 cup heavy cream

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and dried

1 tsp paprika

0.5 tsp cumin

0.5 tsp salt

0.25 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

1. Wrap whole garlic cloves in foil with a bit of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.

2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.

3. Boil spaghetti or linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

4. Cube chicken breast and toss with Cajun seasoning. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through and browned. Set aside.

5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and more Cajun seasoning if desired.

6. In a blender, combine roasted garlic, feta, and Greek yogurt. Blend until creamy and smooth. Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

7. Toss cooked pasta with the Cajun cream sauce. Stir in the chicken and plate.

8. Top with whipped feta, crispy chickpeas, and fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Store chickpeas separately to keep them crispy for leftovers.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference — it’s easy to go mild or bold.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop and Oven
  • Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 695
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: cajun pasta, crispy chickpeas, whipped feta pasta, spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta dinner

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