Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add the chopped bacon to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet. Set crispy bacon aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet with bacon fat (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil if needed). Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Add the cooked chicken and crispy bacon back into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The Cajun Chicken & Bacon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce is almost ready!
Step 8: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and bacon. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly creamy.
Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Cajun Chicken & Bacon Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce!