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Quick Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy One-Pot Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta that balances spicy seasoning with a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced (optional)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat the skillet: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes until browned on one side, flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add remaining Cajun seasoning: Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon over veggies and stir well.
  5. Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, scraping bottom of pan to loosen browned bits. Add heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
  6. Cook the pasta: Add uncooked penne to skillet. Stir to submerge pasta. Bring to gentle boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid. Cook 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce thickened.
  7. Return chicken to pan: Nestle browned chicken back into skillet. Simmer 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and sauce is creamy and thick.
  8. Finish with cheese and seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to taste.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. Stir pasta halfway through simmering to prevent sticking. Use medium heat to avoid cream separation. For variations, swap chicken with shrimp or sausage, or use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivity. Dairy-free options include coconut or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot dinner, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, spicy pasta, weeknight meal

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