One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, it comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the sliced chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the uncooked pasta and optional bell peppers.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors combine.
- Step 8: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy Cajun seasoning.
- Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you want a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
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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 easy-to-make meal combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s cooked entirely in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring all pieces are fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture well, then add the uncooked penne pasta along with optional diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta becomes tender and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken and become luscious and creamy.
- Add Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken strips to the pan and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta as a garnish. Serve warm for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less rich.
- Optional bell peppers can be omitted or swapped with other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Stir occasionally while simmering pasta to prevent sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one pot pasta, easy dinner recipe, chicken penne pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe
