One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

When it comes to comforting, quick, and flavorful meals, One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes. This recipe brings together tender, juicy pieces of chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce—all in a single pot.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. The Cajun spices add a nice kick that’s balanced by the creaminess of the sauce, making each bite a perfect blend of spicy and smooth.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. One Pot Meal: Minimal dishes to clean, which means more time to relax after dinner.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Bold and Creamy: The Cajun spices add a punch of flavor, and the creaminess makes it irresistibly comforting.
4. Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference, and add extra veggies if you like.
5. Family Favorite: The combination of pasta, chicken, and a creamy sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixing bowl and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Aromatics: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add Bell Pepper: Add the chopped bell pepper to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly tender. The bell pepper adds a nice pop of color and a hint of sweetness to balance the spiciness.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add Diced Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir, allowing them to cook for about 1 minute with the vegetables. This adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Pour in the Broth and Cream: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Cook

1. Add the Pasta: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta and stir to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Let the pasta cook in the simmering sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, creating a creamy, Cajun-infused sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken and Add Cheese

1. Return the Chicken: Once the pasta is nearly done, add the seared chicken back to the pot. Stir it into the pasta mixture and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to finish cooking and soak up the flavors of the sauce.
2. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and flavorful.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This hearty pasta dish pairs well with a few simple sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add extra texture and color to the meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onion, and bell peppers enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. Cook Pasta in the Sauce: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb the Cajun flavors, making the dish even tastier.
3. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste. For extra heat, use a spicy Cajun blend or add red pepper flakes.
4. Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better into the sauce and add a richer flavor.
5. Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy? Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. You can also leave out the red pepper flakes.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? Yes, but the sauce may be less creamy. For a thicker sauce with milk, add a teaspoon of cornstarch.
4. Can I add shrimp to this recipe? Absolutely! Sear the shrimp separately and add it back to the pot in the final steps to avoid overcooking.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Yield: 4

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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When it comes to comforting, quick, and flavorful meals, One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes. This recipe brings together tender, juicy pieces of chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce—all in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup. The Cajun spices add a nice kick that’s balanced by the creaminess of the sauce, making each bite a perfect blend of spicy and smooth.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
   
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the garlic, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.
   
4. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the pasta.
   
5. Cook the Pasta: Cover the pot and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if needed to keep the pasta submerged and prevent sticking.
   
6. Combine with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
   
7. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with extra Cajun spice, salt, or pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.