One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—a soul-warming dish that delivers cozy comfort and bold, zesty flavor, all in just one pan! Every bite is a whirlwind of smoky spices, juicy chicken, silky sauce, and pasta that’s perfectly cooked and gloriously coated in creamy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the magic: every ingredient in One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is simple and easy to find, yet each one plays a starring role. From the Cajun spices and hearty chicken to the creamy cheese that ties everything together, every layer adds serious flavor and fabulous texture.

• Smoked Paprika: The heart of that Cajun warmth—smoky and vibrant for unforgettable depth.
• Oregano & Thyme: These herbs add classic earthiness that balances the spice.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential for bold, savory background notes in the sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: The little bit of heat that wakes up every mouthful. Adjust for your own spice adventure!
• Black Pepper & Salt: Amplifies all the Cajun seasoning while letting each ingredient shine.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A duo that sears chicken to juicy perfection and adds a luxurious flavor base.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cubed for tenderness—they soak up the spices like a dream.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed onion sweetens and softens the sauce, absorbing all those roasted flavors.
• Penne Pasta: Tubes of pasta with plenty of surface to capture creamy, spiced sauce in every bite.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a hint of smokiness and vibrant color, plus just the right tang.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the pasta as it cooks, guaranteeing restaurant-worthy flavor in every forkful.
• Cream Cheese: The key to unbelievably creamy, rich sauce that coats the pasta—no heavy cream needed!
• Green Onions: For fresh zip and a pretty finish, scattered over the top just before serving.

Variations

The best part about making One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta at home? You can tweak, swap, and riff to your heart’s content! Whether you need to accommodate a food allergy, extra veggies, or just want to make it your own, there’s plenty of flexibility cooked in.

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap in sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for chicken—just as hearty and totally satisfying.
• Add a Creamy Kick: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar at the end for over-the-top gooeyness.
• Bump Up the Heat: Double the cayenne or toss in a few dashes of hot sauce if you want serious spice.
• Fresh Veggies Galore: Throw in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for bursts of freshness, color, and extra nutrients.
• Try Different Proteins: Sausage (andouille or smoked chicken) or even cooked shrimp can instantly transform the flavor profile.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breast into tender bite-sized cubes—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Mix together all your homemade Cajun seasoning (smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt) and shower it over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a generous coat for that bold, mouthwatering flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Soften the Onion

In a large, deep skillet, heat your olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering. Toss in the seasoned chicken and sear for a couple minutes per side—don’t worry about cooking it through yet, just build that irresistible crust! Add the diced onion and sauté for another two minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now bring on the “one pot” magic! Pour in your uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (liquid and all), and chicken broth. Give everything a hearty stir so the pasta is nestled down in the liquid. Clamp on a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Once boiling, turn the heat down and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick, rich, and starting to cling generously to each piece of penne.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese and Finish

Last but definitely not least, dollop in your cream cheese in chunks and stir until it melts into the sauce. The result? A pasta dinner that’s outrageously creamy, perfectly spiced, and ready for a shower of fresh green onions on top. Grab your forks—One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to devour!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, top your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with a flurry of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a handful of freshly grated Parmesan. A little extra cracked black pepper over the top brings a restaurant-style touch right to your dinner table.

Side Dishes

This saucy Cajun pasta was practically made for warm, crusty bread—try a big chunk of baguette or garlic bread for swooping through any leftover sauce. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly, or roast some broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a colorful, vitamin-packed pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Wow your guests by serving One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in big, shallow bowls piled high, then finish with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning across the rim for drama. For a dinner party twist, serve family-style from the skillet with mini bottles of hot sauce alongside, and let everyone customize their own perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool slightly, then tuck them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if that midnight snack tastes even more magical!

Freezing

You can freeze One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, but note the sauce may separate after thawing. For best results, portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and add a splash of broth or milk to help restore creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk, stirring occasionally until creamy and hot. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir every 30 seconds for even warming. Add a fresh handful of sliced green onions, and it’s as good as day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to bring a little Southern sizzle to your dinner table than with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—so go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this unforgettable pasta night soon. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!

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