If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors yet incredibly simple to whip up, then the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances the smoky, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with a rich, velvety sauce that clings to tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the incredible aromas filling your kitchen. Whether you need a weeknight crowd-pleaser or an indulgent treat, this recipe delivers wholesome comfort in every luscious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a starring role to ensure a perfect marriage of flavor, texture, and color. From seasoned chicken delivering the protein punch to fresh bell peppers adding a crisp sweetness, each item is essential yet straightforward.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites in every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: This blend is the heart of the dish, packing a flavorful punch with paprika, garlic, and spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps in sautéing without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky texture and deeper richness to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion: Diced to soften and add a subtle sweetness balancing the spice.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic depth and a taste that wakes up all the other ingredients.
- 1 red bell pepper: Sliced for a vibrant splash of color and fresh, sweet crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: Complements the red with brightness and mild sweetness.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the flavorful liquid base that cooks the pasta perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and luscious.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Uncooked and ready to soak up all the spices and cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory umami hit and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning to coat them evenly. Heat your olive oil and butter together in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The spices will bloom in the hot oil, creating a flavor-packed crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Peppers
In that same pot, you’ll find all those wonderful browned bits left behind—don’t clean them out! Add your diced onion and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent, releasing sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and both the red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes. This forms the bright, savory base of your sauce, and the vibrant peppers add a nice contrasting texture.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream right over the sautéed veggies. Give it a gentle stir and then add your uncooked penne pasta. This is where the magic begins—the pasta will cook right in this creamy, spicy liquid, absorbing all those great flavors. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot to let the pasta cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Chicken
When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened into a smooth, creamy consistency, stir in the Parmesan cheese. This will add richness and a lovely, melted texture to your sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, folding everything together so each bite has that perfect balance of creamy sauce and juicy chicken. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preferences.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can elevate your dish instantly. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds not only a burst of bright color but a subtle earthy freshness that cuts through the creaminess so beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few chili flakes or extra Cajun seasoning sprinkled on top will boost the heat and presentation.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is already loaded with flavors and ingredients, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans can also add a fresh and healthy contrast without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also sprinkle some crunchy breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts on top to introduce an enjoyable textural contrast. Another idea is to pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors often mellow and develop overnight, making it just as delightful the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly during the initial cooking, so it doesn’t become mushy after thawing. Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. This will revive the creamy texture and ensure every bite is just as comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even linguine. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly based on the pasta shape and keep an eye on the liquid level to ensure it cooks evenly.
How spicy is this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning, which balances spices with savory herbs. If you love more spice, feel free to add cayenne pepper or jalapeños as per your taste. You can always start mild and spice it up later.
Can I make this dish dairy-free or lighter?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and rich. Using vegan Parmesan cheese options can also help make it dairy-free while keeping some cheesy flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne. Make sure your chicken broth and Cajun seasoning are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
What sides pair best with One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Since the pasta is hearty and creamy, lighter sides like a crisp mixed salad or steamed veggies complement it perfectly. Simple garlic bread or a crusty loaf also goes well to mop up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that combines ease with explosive flavor, the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s a dish that feeds your soul with its creamy sauce, bold spices, and comforting textures while keeping your kitchen cleanup delightfully simple. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a fixture in your dinner rotation.
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a creamy sauce, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Made all in one pot, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers rich, spicy Southern-inspired flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sautéing for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot for a delicious creamy Cajun chicken pasta meal.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute if you need a gluten-free meal.
