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Irresistible One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy and Creamy

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A creamy, spicy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that combines smoky Cajun seasoning with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought; includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta (225 grams)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, dice the onion and bell peppers. Measure out Cajun seasoning, broth, and cream.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
  4. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until veggies soften and garlic is fragrant.
  5. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine.
  6. Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Check pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. If needed, cook 2-3 more minutes covered.
  9. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

If sauce is too thick after resting, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce. Use fresh garlic and quality Cajun seasoning for best flavor. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, spicy pasta, weeknight meal, quick recipe

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