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Irresistible One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta that combines smoky spices, tender chicken, and a rich sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Dice bell peppers and finely chop the onion. Mince garlic cloves. Set aside.
  2. Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until well coated.
  3. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and diced bell peppers to skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and simmer pasta for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if pasta looks dry before fully cooked.
  7. Return browned chicken to skillet. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy and thick.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use medium-low heat when simmering to prevent cream from curdling. Stir often but gently to avoid breaking pasta. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Adjust cayenne in Cajun seasoning for desired spice level. Let pasta rest off heat for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken sauce. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, creamy, Cajun, chicken, pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, spicy, comfort food

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