Description
Spicy one-pot cajun chicken pasta delivers a flavor explosion straight from Louisiana’s heart. Home cooks can quickly craft this zesty meal with simple ingredients, enjoying a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce aromatic vegetables including onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot, sautéing until they become translucent and tender.
- Create a rich sauce by combining chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to ensure smooth integration.
- Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring all pasta is submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow pasta to simmer for 13-14 minutes.
- Periodically stir the pasta to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency and sauce thickens naturally, incorporate parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy texture.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve hot, directly from the cooking pot for maximum flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the bold Cajun flavor profile.
- Reduce heavy cream and replace with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to match personal heat tolerance.
- Use gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly dish that keeps the authentic one-pot convenience intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg