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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Creamy Cajun Pasta with Chicken and Spice, featuring penne, chicken pieces, and green bell peppers in a rich orange sauce.
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Make a rich, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta in one pot. This recipe delivers a thick, creamy sauce and authentic spice flavor perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend (use homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces dried penne or rotini pasta
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the cut chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and the Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the dry pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Continue to simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, let the pasta simmer uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking time.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
  • You can substitute shrimp for half of the chicken for a spicy shrimp and chicken pasta variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-with-chicken-and-spice/