Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta brings together everything I love about fall: bold flavor, warmth in every bite, and the kind of comfort that makes you want to stay in and savor each forkful. As someone who grew up in Tuscany, pasta was a weekly, sometimes daily, ritual. After going gluten-free, I struggled to recreate that same joy. But this recipe, with its smoky Cajun heat, creamy dairy-free sauce, and tender seared chicken, brought it all rushing back.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, the chef behind GoldenGlutenFree.com. I trained in classic Italian kitchens where wheat flour reigned supreme. Years later, fatigue and inflammation forced me to rethink everything, I learned I was gluten-intolerant. That moment turned my career around. I wasn’t willing to give up the flavors of my roots, so I started experimenting. This Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta was one of my first big wins. And now, every fall, it’s one of my most requested dinners from friends and family.
Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- skillet
- cutting board
- knife
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning check gluten-free label
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp olive oil or dairy-free butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 yellow onion small, diced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk or cashew cream
- 1/2 cup gluten-free chicken broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative
- 1/2 lemon juice of half
- fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning and salt. In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir in nutritional yeast and lemon juice. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add drained pasta and gently toss everything together. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is bold, satisfying, and surprisingly easy. You likely have many of these pantry staples on hand.
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (check for gluten-free label)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the pasta:
- 8 oz gluten-free penne or fettuccine (we love brown rice or quinoa-based)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or dairy-free butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk or cashew cream
- ½ cup gluten-free chicken broth
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (or dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish
You can find more delicious gluten-free chicken dinner recipes here, especially if you’re meal prepping for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
This recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how:
1. Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your gluten-free pasta according to package directions. Be sure not to overcook, gluten-free noodles can get soft quickly.
2. Season and sear the chicken.
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning and salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the veggies.
In the same pan, add olive oil and cook the garlic, onion, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.
4. Build the sauce.
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir in nutritional yeast and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season to taste.
5. Combine and serve.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss until everything is well coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
If you’re into one-pan dinners, this Lemon Herb Gluten-Free Chicken Skillet is another easy favorite.
Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Choose quality pasta. Brown rice or quinoa pasta holds its shape well. Avoid corn-based pastas that get mushy.
- Don’t rinse your pasta. The starch helps the sauce stick to the noodles.
- Use a large pan. You’ll want enough room to toss everything together easily.
- Adjust the heat. Cajun seasoning varies by brand. Taste before adding extra.
Want more comforting meals? These easy gluten-free chicken meals are perfect for weeknights or meal prep Sundays.
Variations to Try (Because This Dish Is Flexible!)
Gluten-Free Pasta Choices:
Swap penne for gluten-free fettuccine or spaghetti. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Dairy-Free Options:
Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or a plant-based sour cream alternative. You can also skip the nutritional yeast and use gluten-free pesto instead for a herby twist.
Protein Options:
Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu. For a smoky flavor boost, add sliced turkey sausage.
Looking for more ideas with bold flavors? Our gluten-free orange chicken has a sweet-spicy profile that balances out a weekly menu beautifully.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge.
To store:
- Let cool completely
- Transfer to an airtight container
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
To reheat:
Add a splash of broth or water before reheating in a pan or microwave. Gluten-free pasta tends to absorb sauce when stored.
This pasta also freezes moderately well, perfect for batch cooking along with chicken stir-fry meals or baked parmesan chicken.
FAQs About Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
Is Cajun seasoning gluten-free?
Most are, but always read labels. Some blends contain anti-caking agents or flour-based thickeners.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce if you love heat.
What gluten-free pasta brand works best?
We love Jovial, Banza (chickpea), and Tinkyada brown rice pasta.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! It reheats well. Just store the sauce and pasta separately for best texture.
Conclusion
Gluten Free Cajun Chicken Pasta is cozy, flavorful, and totally satisfying, without the gluten. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings serious flavor without fuss. Inspired by Italian roots and reimagined for gluten-free living, it’s one of those dinners that truly hits the spot.
And if you’re looking for more ideas like this, check out these gluten-free chicken dinners or try a Greek chicken bowl for your next lunch.