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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot cajun chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe perfect for cozy dinners, combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 diced bell pepper (red or green)
  • ½ cup chopped yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté diced bell pepper and chopped onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Add uncooked pasta, stirring to submerge. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender with a slight bite.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove lid, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta, and stir until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to get a good sear. Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. Adjust cream and broth ratio for desired sauce thickness. Taste and adjust salt carefully due to broth and cheese. For leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen sauce. Use penne or rigatoni for best sauce absorption. Can substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, cozy dinner, Cajun seasoning, quick recipe