One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with penne pasta simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it comes together in just 30 minutes using a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Season 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 into bite-sized cubes and toss them in the seasoning until evenly coated.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for a few minutes on each side until the pieces develop a golden color, but are not fully cooked through.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens. The moisture released will help deglaze the browned bits from the skillet’s bottom, enhancing the flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Mix everything evenly, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender, and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Add Cream Cheese and Finish: Drop the cream cheese into the skillet in chunks and stir until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the level of spiciness.
- Using fire roasted diced tomatoes adds a smoky depth; regular diced tomatoes can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- For a richer dish, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Make sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
