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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw garlic taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to taste and stir to combine.
- 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
