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
Scale
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.
