If you love a cozy, hearty meal, you’re going to enjoy this Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s a quick dish that brings a kick of flavor all in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
This recipe helps prevent overcooked pasta, sticking during cooking, and allows for adjustment of spice levels to suit varying tolerance preferences.
I often struggle with dinner ideas that fit my family’s dietary needs while still being tasty and satisfying. This recipe solves that problem, providing a creamy pasta dish that’s simple to whip up on busy weeknights.
This Cajun Chicken Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes and uses pantry staples, so you won’t have to run to the store. You can adjust the spices based on what you like, making it flexible for everyone.
If you want to serve something sweet afterward, try these Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion , The creamy, spicy, and smoky sauce offers a comfort food experience that’s both savory and satisfying. It truly packs a punch with every bite.
- One-Pot Convenience , Everything cooks in one pot, which means less hassle and minimal cleanup. It’s a no-fuss meal for those busy weeknights.
- Custom Spice Level , You can easily adjust the spice to fit your taste, making it a hit whether you like it mild or with a kick.
- Leftover Friendly , Store any extras in the fridge for up to three days. It makes for quick and flavorful lunches without any extra effort.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: You’ll want tender meat that cooks quickly. Fresh chicken is best, but thawed frozen works, too. Just cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking.
- Penne pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce really well. If you’re out, other bite-sized pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can work just fine.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: They add a nice smoky kick. Look for canned ones with no added sugar. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes with a touch of smoked paprika can stand in.
- Chicken broth: It’s key for adding depth to the dish. Homemade is great, but low-sodium store-bought works too. Just steer clear of broth with added flavors.
- Cream cheese: This brings a creamy richness. If you’re looking for a substitute, heavy cream or half-and-half could do the trick, just adjust your cooking time to prevent curdling.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Recipe Tips
- If pasta sticks to the pan, remember to stir it every few minutes while simmering to keep it from clumping together.
- When the dish is too spicy, ease off on the cayenne pepper next time for a milder flavor that suits everyone.
- For cream cheese that doesn’t melt smoothly, cut it into smaller pieces and mix it in well while cooking.
- If you want to avoid overcooked pasta, keep a close eye on the simmering time; around 10-12 minutes is usually just right.
- When looking to add more flavor, consider tossing in some cooked bacon or shrimp for an extra tasty twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair creamy cajun chicken pasta with a classic Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast. Serve it alongside homestyle cornbread or garlic bread for additional options.
- This pasta can feature in various dishes like baked pasta casseroles or creamy pasta salads. Consider using the leftovers in a lunch bowl or wrap with fresh vegetables.
- A drizzle of spicy aioli or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can complement the dish. These finishing touches add a burst of flavor to the pasta before serving.
Storage Guidelines
- To keep your creamy cajun chicken pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Consume within this timeframe.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat in a pot over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Stir gently.
Recipe Variations
- You can use shrimp instead of chicken breast for a delicious seafood twist in this creamy Cajun dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for extra flavor, or use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a different taste.
- Either use zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables for a lighter option, or substitute with whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- If you prefer larger portions, increase the penne pasta to 3/4 lb. and adjust chicken broth to 3 cups.
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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
A delicious and creamy Cajun chicken pasta made in one pot, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- bowl
- Lid for skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tsp smoked paprika (10g)
- 1 tsp oregano (1g)
- 1 tsp thyme (1g)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (1g)
- ½ tsp onion powder (1g)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (0.5g)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (1g)
- ¼ tsp salt (1g)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (15ml)
- 1 Tbsp butter (14g)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (450g)
- 1 yellow onion diced
- ½ lb penne pasta (uncooked, 225g)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (425g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
- 2 oz cream cheese (56g)
- 3 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. You will notice the butter bubbling and it will start to smell nutty. This helps to sear the chicken nicely. Avoid burning the butter by keeping the heat controlled.
- Add the chicken breast, cooking until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Mix in the diced onion, letting it soften and become translucent. Stir it often to prevent sticking.
- Toss in smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to coat the chicken and onions well.
- Add uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth, making sure the pasta is submerged. Stir everything gently.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta’s just about done, add chunks of cream cheese to the pot. Stir well until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish by adding sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Taste, adjusting salt and seasoning if necessary.
Notes
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips: To avoid sticking, ensure to stir frequently while it simmers. If the dish is too spicy, reduce the cayenne pepper next time. For cream cheese that does not melt smoothly, cut it into smaller pieces before adding to the pot.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a classic Caesar salad. Serve with homestyle cornbread for a sweet balance. Add a side of garlic bread for extra indulgence.
Recipe Variations: Substitute chicken breast with shrimp for a seafood version. Add bell peppers and spinach for added nutrition. Use cauliflower pasta for a low-carb option.
Ingredient Notes: Select boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender meat. If using alternative pasta types, note cooking times may vary.
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