Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Sizzling Magic

Crafting a delectable one pot Cajun chicken pasta brings serious comfort to your dinner table.

Spicy seasonings dance across tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Southern charm meets kitchen convenience in this streamlined recipe.

Rich, bold flavors emerge from simple ingredients you likely already have stocked in your pantry.

Creamy sauce coats each pasta strand with a zesty kick that makes taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this quick and satisfying dish.

You will absolutely love how easily this meal comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Reasons To Love One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Simplify Cooking: Master a delicious pasta dish with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks seeking a quick meal solution.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Adjust heat levels by controlling red pepper flakes and personalize taste with additional herbs or cheese, making this recipe adaptable to individual preferences.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, garlicky pasta that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, providing a warm and comforting dining experience for any mood or occasion.
• Pantry-Friendly Meal: Create a delectable dish using common ingredients typically found in most kitchens, eliminating the need for complex shopping or extensive preparation time.

What Goes Into One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that adds substantial protein to the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning: A spicy blend that gives the pasta its signature bold and zesty flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet vegetables that provide crunch and freshness to the pasta.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that adds depth and robust flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking oil that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and create a rich base.
• Heavy Cream: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that provides a tangy finish to the pasta.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright green color and light, clean flavor as a garnish.

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the dish.

How To Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each morsel is fully covered with the zesty blend of spices.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken and cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Once perfectly seared, transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Saute the vegetables until they become fragrant and slightly softened, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Pasta
• Remaining Cajun seasoning

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta reaches a tender consistency, typically 12-15 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Return the previously cooked chicken to the pot.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your one-pot Cajun chicken pasta!

Helpful Hints For One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor intensity and zesty kick.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Select short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce absorption and easier eating.
• Optional dairy-free alternative: replace cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for creamy consistency.

Creative Twists For One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp and add a splash of white wine for a coastal flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate black beans, corn, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese to give the dish a Mexican-inspired kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Edition: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and use a blend of cremini and shiitake for an earthy, rich undertone.

Best Pairings With One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Game Night Feast: Serve this zesty Cajun chicken pasta during a fun board game evening with friends. The bold flavors keep energy high while everyone competes and enjoys a hearty meal.
• Family Comfort Dinner: Create a cozy family meal where everyone gathers around the table. Kids and adults will love the creamy, spicy pasta that brings warmth and excitement to dinnertime.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Prep: Pack leftovers in lunch containers for an easy next-day meal. The one-pot wonder saves time on cooking and cleaning, perfect for busy professionals and students.
• Southern Potluck Showstopper: Bring this dish to community gatherings or potlucks. Its vibrant colors and rich Cajun taste will make you the star of the event, with everyone asking for the recipe.

Keeping One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Fresh

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Cool the pasta completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Divide remaining pasta into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Label each container with the date of preparation to track freshness.

FAQs

• What makes Cajun seasoning special in this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that brings authentic Louisiana flavor to the chicken and pasta, creating a vibrant and zesty dish with layers of complex spices.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a mild version to control the heat level while still maintaining the recipe’s signature flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this one-pot pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals or preparing ahead of time.

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy one-pot cajun chicken pasta brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with bold Louisiana flavors. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Coat chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the flavorful pot remnants.
5. Introduce diced bell peppers and minced garlic into the same pot, sautéing until vegetables become fragrant and slightly softened.
6. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pot, creating a luxurious base.
7. Add uncooked pasta and remaining Cajun seasoning, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Increase heat to bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
9. Cover pot and let pasta cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
10. When pasta reaches al dente texture, reintroduce golden-brown chicken to the pot.
11. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy consistency.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
13. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a burst of fresh color and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount for personal spice preference.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Boost protein by adding shrimp or sausage alongside chicken for extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg