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
Cajun Pasta Serving Ideas
Storage for Cajun Pasta Leftovers
FAQs
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.
Yes, you can substitute penne, rotini, or fettuccine for similar results, just ensure the pasta type has a similar cooking time.
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.
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
Cajun Chicken Pasta Ingredients at a Glance
Main Protein:Vegetables:Cooking Liquids and Seasonings: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
In the same pot, sauté:Cook until the vegetables become tender and release their fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
Pour into the pot: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
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One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sliced bell peppers until vegetables become translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy liquid base.
- Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- 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.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, gently folding into the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt and integrate with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
- 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
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.