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
Scale
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