One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A flavorful and satisfying meal, One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chunks of chicken with pasta in a creamy, spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce. Best of all, it’s made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. This comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners, offering a perfect balance of heat and richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot simplicity – Everything cooks in one pot for less mess and easy cleanup.
• Full of flavor – Cajun spices bring bold, smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Quick and convenient – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
• Customizable – You can easily adjust the heat level or swap in different proteins or vegetables.
• Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that’s hearty and satisfying for all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
2. Season the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Cook the chicken: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 4–5 minutes).
4. Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until softened.
5. Add pasta and liquids: Stir in uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a boil.
6. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Finish with cream cheese: Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicier version: Add extra cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
• Milder version: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a gentler flavor.
• Use sausage: Andouille or smoked sausage works well in place of chicken.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Cheesier version: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for extra richness.
• Add greens: Spinach or kale can be stirred in toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Shrimp variation: Use shrimp instead of chicken—just add them in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on seasonings.
• Add cream: For an even creamier sauce, add ¼ cup of heavy cream along with the cream cheese.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and reheated. Add a bit of liquid when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I freeze Cajun chicken pasta?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Just note that the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate level of spice. You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it after the pasta has mostly cooked through so it doesn’t overcook and become dry.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use sour cream, mascarpone, or a bit of heavy cream to maintain a creamy consistency.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all seasoning ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini make excellent additions to the dish.

Can I use a store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, but be mindful of salt content. Many store-bought blends contain salt, so adjust accordingly.

What protein alternatives work well?

Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu (for a vegetarian option) all work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. With its bold Cajun seasoning and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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