One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta brings bold flavors and creamy comfort together in a single dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich tomato cream sauce all cooked with pasta for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thigh
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 green bell peppers
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken thighs. Brown the chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook through, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add chopped green bell peppers and diced yellow onion to the pot. Cook until the vegetables become translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
4. Step 4: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil and stir occasionally. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened and reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cream cheese. Make sure the heat is off when adding cream cheese to prevent it from splitting. The sauce may look runny initially but will thicken as it cools.
6. Step 6: Season the dish with salt to taste.
7. Step 7: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.
• Add smoked sausage or andouille for extra smokiness and protein.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream or coconut milk cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely. Increase the Cajun seasoning or add hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste to ramp up the heat.

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish made entirely in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins

• 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh

Vegetables

• 2 Green Bell Peppers
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic

Pantry

• 2 1/2 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
• 12 ounce Penne Pasta
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
• 6 ounce Cream Cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Garnish

• Fresh Parsley, to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and sprinkle with 2 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add 2 chopped green bell peppers and 1 chopped yellow onion to the pot. Cook them until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw garlic taste.
4. Cook the Pasta: Pour in 12 ounces of penne pasta, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened and reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
5. Add Cream Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 6 ounces of cream cheese. Ensure the heat is off to prevent the cream cheese from splitting. The sauce may appear runny initially but will thicken as it cools.
6. Season: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to taste and stir to combine.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley to taste before serving for an added burst of freshness.

Notes

• To prevent the cream cheese from curdling, always add it off the heat and stir thoroughly.
• You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs offer more flavor and juiciness.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount if you prefer milder or spicier flavors.
• If you want a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream substitute.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: one pot, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, stovetop recipe, spicy chicken pasta