One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal made with tender chicken, smoky spices, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss of multiple pots.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl to make the Cajun seasoning. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes and toss with the seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until the outside is lightly browned but not cooked through.
- Step 3: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally to loosen any browned bits on the bottom.
- Step 4: Stir in the penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Combine everything evenly, then cover the skillet and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every couple of minutes, for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute penne with rigatoni or rotini for a different pasta texture.
- Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can assemble the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken cubes seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, sautéed onions, penne pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with bold Cajun spices balanced by a rich creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun seasoning and chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun seasoning. Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, place them in a bowl, then pour the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for a few minutes on each side until the outside is nicely browned but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. The moisture from the onions will help deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add pasta and liquids: Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Incorporate cream cheese and finish: Add the cream cheese in chunks to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely into the sauce making it creamy. Remove from heat, top the dish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level of the Cajun seasoning.
- For a richer sauce, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream or milk along with the cream cheese.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while simmering so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat quickly on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one pot pasta, creamy Cajun chicken, easy weeknight dinner, skillet pasta recipe
