Are you looking for a dinner recipe that tastes amazing, warms you right up, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes in the sink? Consequently, you’ve found it! One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight hero. It’s packed with tender chicken, spicy Cajun flavor, and a luscious, rich sauce—all cooked in a single pot! Not only is it budget-friendly, but the bold flavors of smoky paprika, herbs, and a touch of heat make it feel like you ordered takeout. Get ready to add this quick, flavorful meal to your regular dinner rotation!
What’s in This Easy One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
The magic of this recipe is in the simple ingredients that come together to create a complex flavor. First, we build our own custom Cajun seasoning blend right from the spice rack.
- Chicken Breast: We use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes. It’s a lean protein that cooks fast right in the sauce. You could also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Penne Pasta: This is the best short pasta shape for one-pot recipes. It holds up well and traps that creamy sauce perfectly.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These are crucial! They add a smoky depth and a bit of needed acidity to the dish. Don’t drain the juices—they help form the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This liquid is what cooks the pasta and creates a flavorful, rich base for the sauce instead of plain water.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that creamy texture. Just two ounces melts into the broth to make the sauce rich and smooth without being too heavy.
- Cajun Seasoning: Made from common spices like smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper for that signature kick.
- Yellow Onion & Green Onions: The yellow onion is sautéed for sweetness, and the fresh, sliced green onions are used as a garnish for a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.
What Can I Add?
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is delicious as is, however, it’s also easy to customize!
- For Extra Veggies: Toss in a diced bell pepper (red or green) along with the onion to soften. Alternatively, frozen mixed peppers and onions can be added to make it a “no-chop” meal! You could even stir in some fresh spinach or a handful of broccoli florets during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Make it Meatier: Stir in some crumbled, cooked bacon or sliced smoked sausage (like andouille) right before serving to boost the smoky, savory flavor. Moreover, cooked shrimp can be added at the very end to warm through.
- Cheesy Upgrade: A final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving will give it a wonderful salty, umami kick.
- For a Different Creaminess: If you don’t have cream cheese, or prefer a different texture, you can swap it for about 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 cup of half-and-half stirred in at the end.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Pasta Step by Step
Follow these simple, numbered instructions to create this fantastic one-pot dish. You’ll be surprised how fast it comes together!
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Next, cut your chicken breast into small cubes (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch). Toss the chicken cubes with the seasoning until every piece is well coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the olive oil and butter to a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat it over medium-high until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they have nice color. Do not worry about cooking the chicken all the way through yet.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. The moisture from the onion will help scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is called “deglazing” and it adds flavor!
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Now, add the uncooked penne pasta, the fire roasted diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and the chicken broth to the skillet. Give everything a quick stir until it’s combined.
- Simmer: Place a lid on the skillet and wait for the broth to come to a full boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir the pasta every couple of minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Finish the Sauce: Simmer until the pasta is tender (al dente) and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks. Stir the sauce constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a rich, smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve: Top the pasta with your sliced green onions and serve immediately!
- enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Recipe Tips for Success!
Getting this recipe perfect is easy with just a few simple tricks.
- Prevent Overcooked Chicken: The chicken cooks twice in this recipe. Therefore, if you want to ensure the chicken stays extra tender, cook it fully in Step 2, remove it from the skillet, and then add it back in with the cream cheese in Step 7.
- Manage the Heat: The amount of cayenne pepper determines the spice level. If you prefer a mild pasta, reduce the cayenne to 1/8 teaspoon, or leave it out completely. Conversely, if you like extra heat, use a full 1/2 teaspoon!
- Stir, Stir, Stir: Because the pasta cooks right in the sauce, you must stir often during the 10-minute simmer. This prevents the starch from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Check Consistency: If your sauce is too thick at the end, just add a splash of extra chicken broth (about 1/4 cup) until you reach your desired creaminess.
What to Serve with This Easy One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Since this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is already a complete meal with protein, carbs, and some vegetables, you only need something light on the side.
- A Simple Salad: The best pairing is a fresh, crisp side salad. A classic Caesar salad works wonderfully, as its creamy dressing complements the rich pasta.
- Sweet Bread: A slightly sweet, homemade cornbread is a fantastic choice. The mild sweetness balances the spice and heat of the Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a slice of crusty, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce!
Storage & Reheating
It’s easy to store leftovers and enjoy them for lunch the next day.
- Storage: Let the pasta cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the pasta will soak up more of the sauce as it sits.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or extra chicken broth (about 1/4 cup per serving) to help rehydrate the sauce. Stir until it is heated through and creamy again. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.
Try This Delicious Recipe Tonight!
This creamy, smoky, and spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect answer to a busy night when you need a satisfying meal fast. The minimal cleanup is just the cherry on top! Now, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Be sure to share your experience with us!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cube the chicken and toss it with the seasoning to fully coat.
- Heat the oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned (it does not need to be cooked through).
- Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil with a lid on. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Remove from heat, add the cream cheese in chunks, and stir until it has melted completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.
