Can you make Cajun chicken pasta without coconut milk?

Absolutely. While full-fat coconut milk is commonly used in Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta for its creamy consistency, you can substitute it with almond milk, cashew cream, or oat milk. If you're after richness without the coconut flavor, cashew cream is a great alternative. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce to your liking. The key is choosing an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based milk to maintain the savory, spicy balance.

Is Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta works wonderfully for meal prep. Portion it into sealed containers and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, stir in a little plant-based milk or broth to bring the creamy sauce back to life and prevent it from getting too thick or dry. It’s a protein-rich, flavor-packed dish that holds up beautifully over several days. Bonus Tip: Cooking for kids or anyone sensitive to heat? Choose a mild Cajun seasoning and leave out the cayenne pepper. This way, you keep the classic Cajun flavor profile while making it more approachable and enjoyable for all ages.

What pasta is best for dairy-free Cajun recipes?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta because they hold the sauce in their ridges, creating a richer bite. If you're following a gluten-free diet, use brown rice pasta or quinoa-based options. Be sure to slightly undercook gluten-free pasta before simmering in the sauce to avoid mushiness.

Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta – Delicious & Ready in 30 Min

Name: Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free optional); 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

Description

This Dairy-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, one-pot comfort dish made with seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious coconut milk sauce. It’s a fast, flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights—no dairy needed, just bold flavor in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free optional)
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and add chicken. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened—about 3–4 minutes.
Build the Sauce: Return chicken to pan, add coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Cook the Pasta: Add pasta to the skillet, stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is creamy.
Finish and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, dairy-free Cajun comfort meal!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in Cajun seasoning 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust spice level by adding or reducing cayenne in your Cajun mix. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients. Pasta will continue to absorb sauce after cooking—add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun Inspired