Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect quick and flavorful dinner made with simple pantry staples. Tender chicken seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend is cooked with penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and a creamy sauce all in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with Southern-inspired spices.
Ingredients
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
Chicken Pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Make the Cajun Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to create the spice blend.
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a bowl, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it, and stir to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the spices.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the outside is lightly browned but the chicken is not cooked through yet.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and the moisture helps deglaze the pan to lift any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Cover with a lid and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese in chunks to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce when simmering.
- Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and to prevent splatters.
- Substitute penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if desired.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
