Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked); 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices); 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz. cream cheese; 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 26 reviews

If you love dishes that combine bold flavors with creamy comfort, then you are going to fall head over heels for this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that bursts with spicy Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a luscious, cheesy sauce—all cooked together in one handy pot. This recipe is an absolute lifesaver when you want something satisfying without drowning in dishes, and it’s packed with such vibrant taste, you won’t believe it took less than 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small pieces of raw chicken coated in a reddish-brown spice mix sprinkled with green herbs. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially buried in the chicken pieces, reflecting light softly. The chicken pieces vary in size and have a textured look from the spices. The overall color contrast is warm from the spices against the pale chicken and clear bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients is the first step to whipping up this flavorful meal. Each item not only contributes to the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness but also keeps preparation and cleanup hassle-free.

Smoked paprika (2 tsp): adds a smoky depth that enhances the Cajun flavor base wonderfully.
Oregano (1 tsp): introduces an earthy, herbal note that complements the spices.
Thyme (1 tsp): brightens the dish with subtle floral hints.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): intensifies the savory undertones.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): brings a gentle sweetness to the seasoning mix.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): packs the heat that gives Cajun food its signature kick—adjust to taste.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): adds a sharp spice that wakes up your palate.
Salt (1/4 tsp): balances and brings all flavors together perfectly.
Olive oil (1 Tbsp): helps sear the chicken beautifully while adding richness.
Butter (1 Tbsp): provides creaminess and a golden finish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb.): the protein star that soaks up the spice and delivers tender bites every time.
Yellow onion, diced (1): lends sweetness and texture as it softens.
Penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 lb.): the perfect shape to hug the creamy sauce.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (15 oz.): add smoky tang and vibrant color.
Chicken broth (2 cups): is the flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and chicken.
Cream cheese (2 oz.): melts into the sauce for luscious creaminess that ties everything together.
Green onions, sliced (3): fresh, crisp, and slightly pungent garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color and bite.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cajun Seasoning and Prep the Chicken

You start by combining the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl to create that flavorful Cajun seasoning blend that defines this dish. Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss them with your spice mix to ensure every piece is packed with bold flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up your olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is bubbly and foamy. Adding the chicken now, let it cook just enough to get a nice golden color on the outside—don’t worry about cooking it through yet because it will finish cooking later when simmered. This searing step locks in juices and builds a delicious base.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Next, toss in that diced yellow onion and sauté for about two minutes until it just begins to soften. The onion releases moisture, which helps dissolve the flavorful browned bits stuck on the pan’s bottom. This little step adds a depth of flavor that makes a difference you will notice!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Liquids

Now, it’s time to add your uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well mixed, then cover the skillet and bring the liquid to a boil. This is where the magic happens—the pasta soaks up all those spicy, savory elements while cooking right in the pot.

Step 5: Simmer the Pasta

Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta cook gently, stirring every couple of minutes. After about ten minutes, the pasta will be tender and the liquid will have thickened into a rich, saucy texture that perfectly coats penne and chicken alike.

Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese and Finish

Drop chunks of cream cheese into your skillet and stir until it melts into a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce. Finally, sprinkle those fresh green onions over the top to bring a sharp, fresh contrast that brightens every bite. Serve up immediately and prepare for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white round plate holds a pasta dish with one main layer of light brown penne pasta mixed with pieces of cooked chicken in a creamy, orange-tinted sauce. The sauce lightly coats the pasta and chicken chunks, with visible black pepper and herbs sprinkled throughout. Fresh chopped green onions are scattered over the top, adding spots of bright green color. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially submerged in the pasta. The background is a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sliced green onions on top is perfect for freshness, but feel free to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little shredded Parmesan for extra flavor and a pretty finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the richness if you’re into a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

This dish works wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The pasta is hearty, so light, crunchy sides provide a lovely textural contrast. For something Southern-inspired, try some coleslaw or cornbread for that homey touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your creamy Cajun chicken pasta in rustic bowls for an inviting, casual look or plate it neatly with a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. For gatherings, you can transfer it to a warm casserole dish and let guests help themselves—easy and cozy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well for up to two months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works well for holding the sauce, other shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli will be delicious and are great at capturing that creamy Cajun sauce.

How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The dish has a pleasant kick from the cayenne and black pepper, but you can always reduce or increase the cayenne pepper to suit your tolerance. Adding a bit more cream cheese can also mellow out the heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This version uses regular penne pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities without losing any flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy, making them a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked but still tender.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

You can use heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as thick and creamy. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream added at the end works well too for a tangy twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal, the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. It combines rich creaminess, smoky Cajun heat, and tender chicken in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for family dinners or when friends come over. Give it a shot and enjoy all the addictive, mouthwatering layers of this fantastic one-pot wonder.