Creamy One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet
A quick and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta skillet made in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish balances bold Cajun spices with a rich, creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or whole milk for a thinner sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside for 5 minutes.
- Heat butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Add more broth if liquid reduces too fast.
- Once pasta is tender and sauce is creamy, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Stir gently until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or Cajun spice as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure proper browning. Use penne or rotini pasta for best sauce adherence. Stir gently and consistently during simmering to prevent sticking and curdling. Cover skillet during pasta cooking to trap steam. Adjust liquid as needed to avoid dryness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, creamy pasta skillet, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe, weeknight meal