Zesty One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this one pot cajun chicken pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Spicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, the dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Tender chicken pieces dance with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Cajun seasoning brings a zesty kick that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.

Each forkful promises a perfect blend of heat and creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this irresistible recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Mix Up Your Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain Cajun-spiced and creamy.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Use coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining a rich, satisfying texture.
• Seafood Cajun Fusion: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a traditional Louisiana-style seafood pasta experience that keeps the spicy Cajun flavor profile.

Cajun Pasta Serving Ideas

• Spicy Side Kick: Serve alongside crisp cornbread or jalapeño cornbread muffins to complement the Cajun chicken pasta's bold flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a colorful salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta dish.
• Quick Beverage Pairing: Offer a cold, light beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and enhance the Cajun spices.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and added freshness just before serving.

Storage for Cajun Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne, and other spices that give a spicy, bold flavor to dishes typical of Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne, rotini, or fettuccine for similar results, just ensure the pasta type has a similar cooking time.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can control the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot Cajun blend, or adjusting the amount of seasoning.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a vegetarian version.

Cajun Chicken Pasta That Packs Flavor

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in just one pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing dish-washing time.
• Boost Flavor Instantly: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, bold dish that brings exciting restaurant-style taste right to your home kitchen.
• Quick Family Feast: Combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in a single satisfying recipe that appeals to both adults and kids with its creamy, comforting texture.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match individual preferences and dietary needs.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients at a Glance

• Chicken: A tender protein that carries the bold Cajun seasoning and adds substance to the pasta dish.

• Bell Peppers, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide a crisp texture and aromatic base for the pasta.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and light herbal note to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and adds depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami cheese that melts into the sauce for extra flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that build layers of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Uncooked Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce and becomes tender during cooking.

Easy One Pot Cajun Pasta Method

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring every surface gets a flavorful layer of spicy goodness.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Cook the seasoned chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate, keeping those delicious juices intact.

Step 3: Aromatic Vegetable Medley

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become tender and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Uncooked pasta

Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is well-coated and submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally.

Allow the pasta to cook and absorb the creamy, flavorful liquid until it reaches a tender consistency.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Return the previously cooked chicken to the pot.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to your preference.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the pasta hot and enjoy the burst of Cajun-inspired flavors in every bite.

Cajun Pasta Tips for Great Results

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by adding more or less to match your heat preference.
• Stir frequently during simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from clumping together.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein for variety.
• If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach desired creaminess.

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold Louisiana-style flavors with creamy, spicy perfection. Packed with tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and a rich sauce, this easy meal promises restaurant-quality comfort right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, then sear chicken until golden brown and crispy edges form, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sliced bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their aromatic flavors.
5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy liquid base.
6. Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring intermittently, until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid reduces to a smooth, creamy consistency, about 12-15 minutes.
8. Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, gently folding into the pasta mixture.
9. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt and integrate with the creamy sauce.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
11. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
12. Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Swap Cajun seasoning for a milder spice blend if you prefer less heat, making the dish more family-friendly and adaptable.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising rich, creamy flavors.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version that still maintains a luxurious texture.
• Prepare extra chicken and pasta to create delicious meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 575 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg