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Keto Cajun Chicken Pasta (Low-Carb) - Creamy, Spicy, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into thin strips
  • Cajun seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
  • Bell peppers: 2 (any colors), sliced thin
  • Red onion: 1 small, sliced thin
  • Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (low-sodium)
  • Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
  • Cream cheese: 2 ounces, softened (optional for extra thickness)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, freshly grated
  • Shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles (zoodles): About 12–16 ounces
  • Lemon: 1, for finishing (zest/juice to taste)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions: For garnish
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Optional heat: Cayenne or red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Prep the noodles: If using shirataki, drain, rinse well, and dry-sauté in a nonstick pan for 2–3 minutes to remove excess moisture. If using zoodles, salt lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. Set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat dry. Toss with 1–2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Coat evenly.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  4. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add remaining oil and butter. Add bell peppers and red onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning (start with 1 teaspoon; adjust to taste). Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Thicken and enrich: Whisk in cream cheese, if using, until smooth. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne if you want more heat.
  7. Combine: Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Add noodles and toss until coated and heated through, 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcooking zoodles to keep them from getting soggy.
  8. Finish: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a little zest for brightness. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot.