Craving something crispy, creamy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors? This Louisiana Chicken Pasta Cheesecake Factory copycat brings together juicy parmesan-crusted chicken, rich Cajun cream sauce, and tender pasta all in one irresistible dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a Southern twist — a spicy, cheesy, and indulgent dinner that feels like a special night out, made right at home.
With crunchy golden chicken cutlets served over creamy penne pasta and veggies in a zesty Cajun alfredo sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s easy to recreate this restaurant favorite, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes with a kick.
In this article, we will look at the ingredients, allergens, calories, and customer feedback to give you a full view of the Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Tongs or spatula
- 3 bowls (for breading the chicken)
- Whisk and measuring spoons
- Colander
Louisiana Chicken Pasta Factory Ingredients:
The Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory is a flavorful dish made with fresh and rich ingredients. Each ingredient adds to the dish’s bold taste and satisfying texture.
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and halved)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (olive or vegetable)
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for more heat)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Cooking Time ⏱️
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
🔪 How to Make Louisiana Chicken Pasta Cheesecake Factory Style
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Bread and Fry the Chicken
Pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thick. Dredge in flour, dip in whisked egg and milk, then coat in a mix of Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a skillet and fry until golden and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
In a large pan, melt butter. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic, and sauté until tender.
Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until thickened. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Step 4: Serve
Place a portion of creamy Cajun pasta on each plate and top with a crispy chicken breast. Garnish with chopped parsley.

The Magic of Louisiana Chicken Pasta
This dish has everything: crispy chicken, creamy Cajun sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant veggies. It’s rich without being too heavy and spicy without overpowering the other flavors. The parmesan breading adds a salty crunch that complements the cream sauce beautifully. It’s Southern-inspired comfort food at its best—decadent, bold, and so satisfying.
Tips for the Best Louisiana Chicken Pasta
🍝 Pound the Chicken Evenly – It helps the chicken cook faster and crisp up better
🍝 Use Fresh Parmesan – For the crispiest crust and tastiest sauce
🍝 Don’t Overcook the Cream Sauce – Just simmer until thickened for that silky texture
🍝 Toss the Pasta Immediately – Coats every piece while the sauce is hot
🍝 Customize Your Spice Level – Adjust Cajun seasoning to your taste
Why You’ll Love Louisiana Chicken Pasta
🌶️ Bold and Spicy Flavors – The Cajun cream sauce brings the heat
🌶️ Crispy Chicken Goodness – Golden and crunchy with a parmesan crust
🌶️ Hearty and Comforting – This dish is filling and soul-warming
🌶️ Restaurant-Style at Home – Skip the takeout and make it yourself
🌶️ Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves this Southern-inspired twist on creamy pasta
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
- Green Salad – A light, crisp side to balance the richness
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade – A Southern favorite to cool things down
- Extra Cajun Seasoning – For the spice lovers at the table
Variations and Add-Ins
1. Make It Lighter
Use grilled chicken instead of breaded for a healthier option.
2. Add More Veggies
Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions to the sauce.
3. Swap the Pasta
Try it with linguine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta varieties.
4. Turn Up the Heat
Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
5. Cheesy Upgrade
Melt in extra mozzarella or pepper jack for even more gooey richness.
Storing and Reheating Louisiana Chicken Pasta
To Store:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
To Freeze:
- Freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to keep the coating crisp. Reheat and reassemble before serving.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much Cajun seasoning — it can overpower the dish.
- Overcooking the pasta or chicken — aim for just right.
- Skipping the sauté step for veggies — it builds flavor in the sauce.
- Letting the sauce boil too hard — gentle simmer gives best texture.
Louisiana Chicken Pasta Factory Allergens:
The Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory contains several common allergens. It is important to check these before ordering if you have allergies.
- Gluten: Found in the pasta and breading on the chicken.
- Milk: Present in the Parmesan cheese and creamy sauce.
- Eggs: Used in the breading for the chicken.
- Fish: It is present depending on the preparation.
- Wheat: Found in the pasta and breading on the chicken.
Louisiana Chicken Pasta Cheesecake Factory Nutrition:
Energy Content:
Lunch Favorites: 1380 Cal, 5775 Joule
Pasta Menu: 2270 Cal, 9500 Joule
Nutrients | Per Portion | |
Lunch Favorites | Pasta Menu | |
Protein | 53g | 98g |
Sugar | 11g | 17g |
Saturated Fat | 43g | 67g |
Trans Fat | 2.5g | 4g |
Fat | 80g | 132g |
Carbohydrates | 113g | 176g |
Cholesterol | 310mg | 555mg |
Sodium | 2790mg | 4660mg |
Fiber | 7g | 10g |
Is the Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory Vegetarian or Vegan?
The Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory is not vegetarian or vegan. It contains Parmesan-crusted chicken and a creamy sauce made with milk and cheese. The pasta also includes other ingredients like mushrooms peppers and onions.
If you want a vegetarian option you can ask to remove the chicken. For a vegan version, you can request to remove both the chicken and the cheese in the sauce. You may also need to modify the sauce to make it dairy-free. It is always best to check with the restaurant to see if they can accommodate your dietary needs.
Does the Louisiana Chicken Pasta come with any special toppings or garnishes?
The Louisiana Chicken Pasta at The Cheesecake Factory typically comes with Parmesan-crusted chicken, pasta, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and a spicy New Orleans sauce.
While it doesn’t come with any extra special toppings, the dish is flavorful and well-balanced on its own. However, you can always ask the restaurant for additional garnishes or toppings to suit your preferences.
FAQ
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy from the Cajun seasoning. Adjust to your preference by using more or less.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can try coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, though flavor and texture may vary.
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes, or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Conclusion
Louisiana Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy. With bold Cajun flavors, golden chicken, and hearty pasta, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this Southern-style pasta dish is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Louisiana Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie farfalle pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small red onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- ✅ Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- ✅ Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- ✅ In a shallow bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- ✅ Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the dry mixture, and press to coat evenly.
- ✅ Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- ✅ In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions, sauté 3–4 minutes.
- ✅ Add garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- ✅ Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Let sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- ✅ Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated.
- ✅ Slice the crispy chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Can be made with grilled chicken instead of fried for a lighter version.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.