One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: 5 Steps to Bliss

You know those days when you want something delicious and comforting, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s where my One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes in! This dish is a game changer – it’s packed with flavor, super creamy, and guess what? You only need one pot! I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved me after a long day; it’s a quick fix that feels like a warm hug. The tender chicken combined with perfectly cooked pasta and that rich Cajun sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’ll have your family begging for seconds. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which means more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List

To whip up this mouthwatering One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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
• 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, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 3 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a dish that’s not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make!

How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is as simple as it gets, and I’m here to guide you through each step to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

First up, grab a small bowl and mix together your Cajun seasoning. Combine 2 tsp of smoked paprika, 1 tsp each of oregano and thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch each of cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This blend is where the magic starts!

Now, take 1 lb. of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Make sure to coat every piece in that flavorful Cajun seasoning we just made. You want every bite to burst with flavor!

Next, heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Wait until it’s hot and melted – you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers. Toss in the seasoned chicken cubes and cook them until they start to brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it adds so much flavor!

Once the chicken is nicely colored, throw in 1 diced yellow onion and sauté until it softens up, about 3 minutes. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!

Then, it’s time to add the uncooked 1/2 lb. of penne pasta, 15 oz. of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (juices included), and 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking – so keep an eye on it!

Finally, add in 2 oz. of cream cheese in chunks, stirring until it melts and creates that creamy texture we love. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. And voila! You’ve got a delicious, creamy Cajun chicken pasta ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—no more endless dishes to wash!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Cajun spices and creamy sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in different proteins to make this dish your own!
• Family Favorite: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, perfect for gathering around the dinner table.

Tips for Success

Here are some pro tips to ensure your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time!

• Don’t skip the seasoning: Coating the chicken well with the Cajun seasoning is key to maximizing flavor. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste!
• Watch the simmer: Keep an eye on the heat while simmering. If it’s boiling too vigorously, it can overcook the pasta and make it mushy.
• Stir often: Regularly stirring helps prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Customize it: Experiment with adding bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies, or swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist!

Variations

The beauty of One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. If you’re in the mood for something different, try using shrimp instead of chicken for a delightful seafood twist. Just toss them in for the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Feeling veggie-heavy? Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra color and nutrition. You can also experiment with different pasta types; maybe try it with fettuccine or even gluten-free options. The world is your oyster—let your creativity run wild and make it your own!

Nutritional Information Section

When you’re enjoying a delicious serving of One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, it’s nice to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your meal, knowing it’s packed with flavor and nutrition!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries:

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove.
• What if I don’t have fire roasted tomatoes? No worries! Regular diced tomatoes will work just fine, but the fire-roasted ones add an extra depth of flavor.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to swap in any pasta you love, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep because it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave; just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!

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