Short Description
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and creamy dish packed with tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich Parmesan sauce. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering tons of flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Spicy & Creamy – The perfect balance of heat and richness.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies.
- Family Favorite – A comforting meal everyone will love.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Penne pasta
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the Chicken – Toss the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning.
- Sauté the Chicken – In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
- Cook the Veggies – In the same pot, sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers until soft.
- Add Tomatoes & Liquids – Stir in cherry tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Cook the Pasta – Add uncooked penne and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Melt the Cheese – Stir in Parmesan cheese and return the chicken to the pot.
- Finish & Serve – Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, then serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Protein – Add shrimp or sausage for more variety.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
- Spicy Boost – Add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
- Cheese Swap – Try mozzarella or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rigatoni or fettuccine work well too.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add extra broth or cream while reheating to adjust consistency.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
What’s the best way to control spice level?
Start with less Cajun seasoning and add more as needed.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add a little extra liquid when reheating.
How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
Conclusion
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With a creamy, spicy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta is packed with Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot for easy cleanup!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season & Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- In the same pot, melt butter. Add diced onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir in smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
- Add the uncooked pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Finish with Cheese & Chicken:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix well.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm!
Notes
- Spice it up: Add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it creamy without cream: Use ½ cup cream cheese instead.
- Protein swaps: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.
- Gluten-free? Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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