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Quick and Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A close-up of creamy, orange-hued cajun chicken pasta made with penne, topped with fresh chopped parsley.
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Make restaurant-style Cajun Chicken Pasta at home in under 30 minutes using this easy, one-pot method. This dish delivers bold, zesty Cajun flavor in a rich, satisfying creamy sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (with liquid) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly tender.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until combined. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a shrimp variation, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, adding them during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the pasta to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end to let some liquid evaporate.
  • Use your favorite pasta shape; rotini or farfalle work well in this creamy Cajun chicken pasta recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/cajun-chicken-pasta-30-minute-recipe/