One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a bold and comforting dinner that combines tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and pasta in a rich creamy sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it an easy and convenient meal for busy weeknights.The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth of flavor, while the cream and Parmesan create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavor in about 35 minutes.It’s a satisfying family dinner that can easily be customized with vegetables, shrimp, or sausage to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced bell peppers optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning, making sure all pieces are well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquid
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the uncooked pasta and optional bell peppers.
Step 5: Simmer the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 7: Add Chicken Back
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors combine.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.