Description
Cook a complete dinner in one pot with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, using mostly pantry-stable items. Perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Combine Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Cut chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes and coat with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy.
- Add seasoned chicken and sear for a couple of minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- Add diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and browned bits are lifted from the skillet.
- Add pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until fully melted into the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content.
- For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with coconut cream.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This dish is great for meal prep; store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pot pasta, weeknight dinner, easy chicken pasta