I absolutely love this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe because it’s not only packed full of bold, zesty flavors but also incredibly easy to make. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta hits that comfort food sweet spot while only dirtying one pan – which means less cleanup for you!
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or craving something cozy on a chilly evening, this recipe works like a charm. You’ll find that the Cajun spices add just the right kick without overpowering, and the creamy texture makes every bite feel indulgent. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pot Cooking: All the deliciousness comes together in just one pan, saving you time and dishes.
- Balanced Bold Flavors: The Cajun seasoning is flavorful without being too spicy, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
- Creamy, Comforting Texture: That cream cheese addition gives a silky sauce you’ll want to dive into every time.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want homecooked without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe are simple pantry staples with a few fresh touches. I always suggest buying fresh chicken and using a good quality chicken broth to ensure the best flavor in your sauce.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives the dish a deep smoky flavor that’s essential for authentic Cajun taste.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic layer that balances the spices nicely.
- Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal note that works beautifully with chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Convenient and flavorful, but fresh garlic works too if you prefer.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the seasoning mix to deepen the flavor profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Black Pepper & Salt: Basics that enhance all the other spices and ingredients.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and onions; extra virgin adds nice flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that creamy sauce texture.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: I like dicing it for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma; don’t skip it!
- Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: They add a smoky depth and subtle acidity that’s perfect here.
- Chicken Broth: The broth cooks the pasta and infuses flavor into every bite.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that luscious, creamy sauce you’ll be dreaming about.
- Green Onions: Top with fresh sliced green onions for a bright finish and slight crunch.
Variations
I love how flexible this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is. Feel free to tweak the spice levels or swap out ingredients to fit your mood or dietary preferences.
- Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken: I tried swapping in shrimp for a seafood twist and it turned out just as fantastic, cooking it a bit less so it stays tender.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and boost veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms; add a splash of veggie broth instead.
- Spicy Kick: For a heat lover, add extra cayenne or some sliced jalapeños to the mix – my family goes crazy for the added spice.
- Cheese Switch-Up: You can swap cream cheese for heavy cream or even add shredded cheddar for a different creamy texture.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Make Your Cajun Seasoning & Prep Chicken
Start by mixing all the spices—smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, black pepper, and salt—in a small bowl. Then cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss the chicken in the seasoning mix until each piece is beautifully coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken & Sauté Onions
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and foaming. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook just until the outside develops some golden color—don’t worry if the insides are still raw, they’ll finish cooking later. Next, throw in the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, scraping up any brown bits from the pan to build flavor.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes & Broth; Simmer
Pour the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir just enough to combine everything evenly, then cover with a lid. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir every few minutes to keep that pasta from sticking and to help it cook evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the mixture has thickened into a rich sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese & Serve
Drop chunks of cream cheese into the warm skillet and stir until it melts completely into the sauce, making it luscious and creamy. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top for freshness and a little crunch. Then dig in—this meal is best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken Initially: Browning the chicken just until it has color helps lock in juices and avoids drying out by the end.
- Constant Stirring During Simmer: I learned this the hard way—stir often to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: Because cookware varies, tweak your stovetop setting to keep the broth at a steady simmer for even pasta cooking.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It melts faster and smoother into the sauce, saving time and avoiding lumps.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with sliced green onions for that fresh, mild bite and a pop of color. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika on top, just for presentation and an extra hint of smoky flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving also brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy Cajun pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect to mop up any leftover sauce – trust me, you’ll want every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the pasta in shallow bowls and top with finely chopped fresh parsley alongside the green onions for a burst of color. You could also serve this in individual ramekins for a cute, dinner-party-appropriate presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit when chilled, so I recommend adding a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes okay, but the texture of the creamy sauce changes slightly. If you plan to freeze, store it without the cream cheese, then stir it in freshly after thawing and reheating for best results.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of broth or water, stirring gently until warmed through and creamy again. Microwaving works too but I prefer the stovetop for better texture control.
FAQs
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Can I make this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and double-check your chicken broth is gluten-free. The recipe stays just as delicious with this simple switch.
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What can I use instead of cream cheese in this recipe?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with heavy cream, mascarpone, or even a mix of sour cream and a little flour to help thicken. Each option will create a slightly different texture but maintain that creamy richness.
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Can I prepare the Cajun seasoning ahead of time?
Yes! The Cajun seasoning mix can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for weeks. It’s a great staple to have on hand for boosting the flavor of many dishes, not just this pasta.
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How spicy is this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to the balanced cayenne and smoked paprika. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne or some sliced fresh chilies when cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. I genuinely enjoy how little effort it takes to get this much flavor and creaminess going, and I think you will too. If you’re looking for a satisfying dinner that’s both quick and indulgent, give this recipe a try – I’m confident it’ll soon be a family favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines bold Cajun spices with tender chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, and creamy sauce all cooked together in one skillet for an easy, flavorful weeknight meal.
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
Chicken Pasta
- 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
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun seasoning mix.
- Season the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces. Place in a bowl and sprinkle the prepared Cajun seasoning over the top. Stir well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and becomes foamy. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the exterior develops a slight color but chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly. Stir occasionally to release moisture and dissolve any browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and allow pasta to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and the liquid thickens to a creamy sauce consistency.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir vigorously until the cream cheese completely melts and incorporates into the sauce creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the creamy Cajun chicken pasta with sliced green onions on top. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- The deep skillet used for this recipe is 4-quart capacity to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer when cooking the pasta to prevent scorching or sticking.
- Stir frequently during simmering to ensure pasta cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
