Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken cubes coated in a homemade Cajun seasoning, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that combines a spicy kick with comforting creaminess, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cut chicken into small cubes and toss with the seasoning mixture until well coated.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the outside is browned but not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions start to soften, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Mix everything evenly, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper to 1/2 tsp.
- Use rotini or penne pasta shapes for best results; avoid very thin pastas.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
