One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

from budgetbytes.com
Dinner
30 min
4 servings
482 kcal / serving

Cook a complete dinner in one pot with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, using mostly pantry-stable items. Perfect for busy weeknights! 

Ingredients

  • 2 tspsmoked paprika ($0.20)
  • 1 tsporegano ($0.10)
  • 1 tspthyme ($0.10)
  • ½ tspgarlic powder ($0.05)
  • ½ tsponion powder ($0.05)
  • ¼ tspcayenne pepper ($0.03)
  • ¼ tspblack pepper ($0.02)
  • ¼ tspsalt ($0.02)
  • 1 tbspolive oil ($0.16)
  • 1 tbspbutter ($0.13)
  • 1 lb.boneless, skinless chicken breast ($5.47)
  • 1yellow onion, diced ($0.32)
  • ½ lb.penne pasta (uncooked) ($0.75)
  • 15 oz.fire roasted diced tomatoes ($1.00)
  • 2 cupschicken broth ($0.26)
  • 2 oz.cream cheese ($0.50)
  • 3green onions, sliced ($0.25)

Directions

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.