Print

Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce for a flavorful and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir frequently until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Add the chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and cook for another 3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. Avoid overcrowding the pan when sautéing chicken to ensure proper browning. Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking. Remove pan from direct heat when stirring in Parmesan to avoid curdling. Letting pasta rest off heat for 5 minutes helps thicken sauce and meld flavors. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, Cajun seasoning, quick meals, comfort food

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-flavorful-dinners/