One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Get ready to transform your weeknights with this incredible cajun pasta recipe! This dish delivers a creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying meal all made in a single pan. Perfect for busy evenings, you’ll love how quickly you can bring bold, classic Cajun flavors to your dinner table. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience.

Understanding the origins of Cajun cooking reveals how its unique flavor profile developed from a blend of cultural influences and available ingredients. Read more about the history of Cajun cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Pasta Recipe

This cajun pasta recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:

• One-Pan Convenience: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick Preparation: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 30 minutes, ideal for hectic schedules.
• Bold, Customizable Flavor: Enjoy the vibrant spices of Louisiana, easily adjusted to your preferred heat level.
• Versatile: Easily swap proteins or add extra vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours every time.
• Satisfying Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and wonderfully hearty, it’s a meal everyone will crave.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious creamy cajun pasta recipe. We’ll make our own seasoning for the freshest flavor and perfectly spiced chicken.

For the 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

For the Chicken Pasta:

• 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

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this cajun pasta recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Adjust the cayenne pepper up or down for your desired spice level. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast meat for an even richer flavor. If you don’t have cream cheese, heavy cream or even a splash of half-and-half can add creaminess. Other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or cavatappi work wonderfully here. Canned diced tomatoes can substitute for fire-roasted if needed, though you’ll miss a bit of smoky depth. For convenience, chicken bouillon dissolved in water works perfectly in place of broth.

Equipment

You don’t need much to whip up this flavorful cajun pasta recipe.

• Large Deep Skillet: A 12-inch skillet with a lid is ideal for cooking everything in one go.
• Cutting Board: Essential for safely prepping your chicken and vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Makes dicing ingredients quick and easy.
• Mixing Bowls: One small bowl for seasoning, one for coating chicken.

Instructions

Creating this one-pan creamy cajun pasta recipe is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish every time.

1. Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
2. Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the skillet is very hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
3. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes more, or just until the onion begins to soften. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
5. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
6. Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the best creamy cajun pasta recipe is simple with a few helpful tips. For busy individuals, the simplicity and efficiency of one-pot meals offer a practical solution for preparing nutritious home-cooked dishes with minimal cleanup. Learn more about the benefits of one-pot meals. For a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper in your seasoning, or omit it entirely. If you love heat, feel free to add a little more! Ensure your pasta simmers gently and consistently to cook through evenly without becoming mushy. To prevent overcooking the chicken, sear it just until lightly browned on the outside, then let it finish cooking with the pasta. If your sauce appears too liquid, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp cold water) at the end. For even more richness, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese with the cream cheese. Remember to stir the pasta frequently during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cajun pasta recipe is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some warm, crusty bread. Don’t forget garlic bread or classic cornbread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Get creative with variations! Try swapping the chicken for shrimp, sliced smoked sausage, or even plant-based protein like firm tofu or chickpeas. Boost the veggie content with additions like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach wilted in at the end.

Nutrition

Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations. This flavorful cajun pasta recipe provides a satisfying meal.

FAQ

• Can I make this recipe without chicken?

  Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives like smoked sausage, hearty chickpeas, or diced firm tofu. Adjust cooking times as needed.

• What if I don’t like tomatoes?

  No problem. You can create a tomato-free creamy sauce base by increasing the chicken broth slightly and adding a bit more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

• How do I prevent the chicken from getting overcooked?

  Briefly sear the chicken just to get some color on the outside, then remove it from the pan. Add it back to the skillet during the last few minutes of the pasta’s simmering time.

• My sauce is too watery, what can I do?

  Let the pasta simmer uncovered for a bit longer, stirring frequently, to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also thicken it quickly by stirring in a cornstarch slurry.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

  Yes, short, sturdy pastas like rotini, cavatappi, or farfalle work best for this one-pot method. Avoid using long, thin noodles like spaghetti or linguine, as they tend to clump together.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s a truly simple, incredibly flavorful dish perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. With its one-pan convenience and adaptable ingredients, it will quickly become a weeknight favorite. We encourage you to give this vibrant, comforting recipe a try tonight! Share your creations and any fun adaptations you discover in the comments below.