Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with al dente penne pasta, creamy sauce, and a hint of smoky spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses a single skillet to create a rich and saucy pasta meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: Combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into cubes and toss it with the seasoning mixture until fully coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side just until the chicken develops some color but is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until onions begin to soften. Use the moisture from the onions to deglaze the browned bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine evenly, then cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce (about 10 minutes).
- Finish with Cream Cheese and Garnish: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add red pepper flakes.
- Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, or substitute with sour cream if preferred.
- If you prefer, you can use rotini or fusilli pasta instead of penne.
- Be sure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
