Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a perfectly balanced meal with robust Cajun spices, creamy texture, and a hearty combination of protein and carbs.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional, mixed colors)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and bell peppers (if using) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta.
- Simmer Pasta and Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked and tender, about 12-15 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or cream.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot for a satisfying creamy Cajun pasta experience.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli for similar texture.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese to 1/4 cup each.
- If you prefer spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Using canned diced tomatoes with green chilies adds extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet over low heat.
