Name: One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of creamy, spicy pasta to brighten a busy weeknight. One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, flavorful chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, smoky sauce with just the right amount of heat.

I first tried a Cajun pasta dish at a small family-run restaurant in Louisiana, and I was instantly hooked. This simplified one-pot version captures all those bold flavors without the mess of multiple pans. Let's dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Get ready to add this dish to your weeknight dinner rotation. It's bursting with flavor and is as practical as it is delicious.

First, it's a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes to clean. Everything – from the sautéing to the simmering – happens in a single pot, making it perfect for busy cooks.

The Cajun spices create a symphony of bold flavors. Smoky paprika, earthy garlic, and spicy cayenne pepper combine to give this dish its irresistible zest.

You can customize it to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you dial up the spice or add more veggies, this pasta is endlessly versatile.

And did I mention it’s quick? In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. Perfect for hectic weeknights or impromptu dinner guests.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's what you'll need to bring this dish to life.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the Cajun seasoning beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you prefer, chicken thighs work just as well.

Cajun seasoning is the backbone of this recipe. You can use store-bought, but making your own blend allows you to control the spice level. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme are the key players here.

Pasta is your blank canvas. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great options, as they hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta also work well if you need a variation.

The creamy sauce comes together with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a rich, velvety texture that balances the boldness of the spices. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.

Bell peppers and onions add color, crunch, and sweetness, which complement the spice of the Cajun seasoning perfectly.

How To Make This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Making this flavorful pasta dish is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps, and dinner will be ready in no time.

Start by seasoning the chicken with a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Heat some olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they soften and start to caramelize, picking up the flavorful bits left behind by the chicken.

Next, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and more Cajun seasoning to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken. The sauce will thicken beautifully, coating every piece of pasta. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. Heat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Unfortunately, this pasta doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed. But trust me – it won’t last long enough to freeze!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to tweak to your liking.

For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

If you want to add more veggies, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent choices. Simply sauté them along with the bell peppers and onions.

For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or leave out the cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

You can also make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. It will still be creamy and delicious!

Experimenting with different ingredients is half the fun. Make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating something new.

This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than a recipe – it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simplicity, and family-friendly cooking. Give it a try, and let this flavorful dish become a staple in your home!