Description
One-pot Cajun chicken pasta is a bold and creamy dinner featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce—all cooked together in a single pan for quick, flavorful meals perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat to start building flavor for the dish.
- Cook chicken with seasoning: Add sliced chicken along with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing the dish with a savory aroma.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add pasta and veggies: Mix in uncooked pasta and diced bell peppers if using. Stir well to distribute everything.
- Cook pasta: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy, enriching the sauce.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or additional Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version with less fat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option suitable for sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
