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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick, comforting, and spicy one-pot pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and penne pasta, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (e.g., Tony Chachere’s or homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Have everything ready before heating the pan (about 10 minutes prep).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and stir well with the veggies, letting the spices toast slightly for 1 minute.
  5. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir to coat the noodles in the spice mix. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most broth is absorbed.
  7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the browned chicken pieces. Cook for 3–4 more minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy and thickened.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it. If too thin, simmer uncovered a bit longer. Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking. Use fresh Parmesan for best sauce texture. Browning chicken adds flavor and texture but avoid cooking it fully the first time to prevent dryness.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/