I haven’t made a one-pot pasta in a long time, but recently I had a strong desire for a simple, flavorful, and spicy dish. So, I decided to make a One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta this weekend! This recipe is extremely easy to prepare, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners. I have included several variations below, including options for those who prefer a milder or non-creamy version. Don’t forget to keep reading for all the delicious details! 🙂
Make sure to explore my collection of One Pot Recipe archives for more delightful one pot dishes!
Incredible! I successfully hit a home run with this dish. It was effortless, straightforward, and delicious! I decided to include some spinach towards the end, and it turned out to be a fantastic addition. Thank you!
charles
Customizing the Pasta
You have multiple options to personalize this incredibly easy and tasty one pot pasta. Explore these suggestions for variations, additional ingredients, or exclusions:
Adjust the Heat
The pasta has a spicy flavor, but you have the ability to control the level of heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half. Alternatively, if you are unable to tolerate spiciness at all, you can omit the cayenne pepper entirely. Although it makes me a bit disappointed, I completely understand that there are times when your body and brain have different preferences. 🙂
Make it Creamy (or not)
If cream cheese is not an option, you can substitute it with a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half. Approximately 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 cup of half-and-half should suffice. Alternatively, if you prefer a non-creamy texture, that is also acceptable. The pasta was already delicious even without the cream cheese, but the addition of creaminess helps to balance the spiciness and acidity effectively.
Make it “Extra”
For an incredibly indulgent twist, consider incorporating cooked bacon or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to this pasta dish. The added umami flavor will elevate the Cajun Chicken Pasta to new heights! Alternatively, you may also opt to include shrimp instead of, or alongside, these extras.
Other Chicken Pasta Recipes You Might Like:
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Step by Step Photos
Combine the Cajun seasoning ingredients (2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp salt) in a small bowl. Dice one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Transfer the chicken cubes to a bowl and pour the Cajun seasoning over them. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the skillet is thoroughly heated and the butter has melted and become frothy. Then, introduce the seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook each side for a few minutes until they develop a slight coloration. It is not necessary for the chicken to be fully cooked at this stage.
Include one diced yellow onion and sauté for a few more minutes until the onion slightly softens. The moisture released by the onion will aid in dissolving any browned residue from the skillet’s bottom.
Incorporate half a pound of penne into the skillet, along with a 15oz. can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (including the juices) and two cups of chicken broth.
Ensure everything is well mixed by giving it a quick stir. Then, cover the pot with a lid and let the broth come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remember to stir the broth every couple of minutes during this time.
Continue simmering until the pasta reaches a tender consistency and the broth achieves a thicker, more saucy texture.
Incorporate 2 oz. cream cheese into the skillet by adding small chunks. Continuously stir until the cheese fully dissolves into the sauce.
Garnish with freshly cut green onions and ENJOY! This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will become a staple in my household. 🙂
Do you agree that this bowl of pasta is just screaming for some Freezer Garlic Bread?
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