Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, penne pasta, and a rich creamy sauce all cooked together in one skillet for a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun seasoning. Cut chicken into small cubes and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for a couple of minutes on each side just until they develop some color. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. The moisture will help lift any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom, adding flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything evenly, then cover the skillet with a lid to bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Add Cream Cheese and Finish: Stir in chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and mix until it melts fully into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid for best results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
- Stirring periodically during simmering prevents pasta from sticking.
- Substitute penne with any other short pasta if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
