One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb. boneless
skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion
diced
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 3 green onions
sliced
Directions
- 1
Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
- 2
Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the skillet is very hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
- 3
Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes more, or just until the onion begins to soften. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- 4
Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
- 5
Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
- 6
Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 465 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine a comforting meal packed with savory flavor, all from a single pot. This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers authentic Cajun-inspired taste and a satisfying richness perfect for any night you're craving something hearty and delicious without a pile of dishes.
The magic of this dish lies in its streamlined preparation and a vibrant blend of spices—smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and a hint of cayenne—that infuse every bite. The ingenious one-pot method means less cleanup for you, allowing those rich, creamy flavors to meld beautifully without extra fuss.
You can look forward to tender pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast bathed in a luscious, savory sauce. The penne pasta cooks directly in a flavorful base of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and chicken broth, absorbing all the delicious spices and aromatics from the yellow onion. Finishing with cream cheese creates an irresistibly silky texture that truly earns the 'creamy' in its name, all brightened by fresh green onions.
While this recipe shines as is, it's wonderfully versatile. For a different protein, consider adding shrimp or sliced sausage for a heartier meal. You can also easily adjust the cayenne pepper to dial the heat up or down to your preference. Try stirring in a handful of spinach at the end for an extra burst of color and nutrition.
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it simply on its own, or pair it with a light green salad and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.