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Irresistible One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe that combines smoky spices with a creamy sauce for a hearty and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought; includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
  • 8 oz (225 g) uncooked penne pasta
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (5-10 minutes): Cut chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch pieces. Dice bell peppers, finely chop onion, and mince garlic. Measure Cajun seasoning, broth, cream, and pasta.
  2. Sauté the Chicken (5-7 minutes): Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook chicken in a single layer until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables (3-4 minutes): In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Cook diced onion and bell peppers until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, stirring for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  4. Add Liquids and Pasta (2 minutes): Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is evenly submerged. Scrape browned bits off the pan bottom.
  5. Simmer Pasta and Chicken (12-15 minutes): Return chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and chicken is fully cooked. Broth should reduce and thicken slightly.
  6. Finish with Cream and Cheese (2-3 minutes): Lower heat and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Mix until sauce is creamy and coats pasta and chicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream to loosen. For extra heat, add cayenne or jalapeños before serving. Stir pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. Finish with cream and Parmesan off or on very low heat to avoid curdling. Leftovers reheat well with added liquid. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version and coconut or cashew cream plus vegan cheese for dairy-free.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/irresistible-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/