1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice them into 1-inch thick strips or bite-sized cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This ensures every piece of chicken is packed with flavor.

2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water – this will be crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It’s okay if there are some browned bits left in the pan; these add flavor to the sauce.

4. Saute the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

5. Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, stirring to combine all the flavors. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.