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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A rich, spicy, and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a bold and comforting meal with easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (5 minutes): Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. Cook the Chicken (7 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Veggies (4 minutes): In the same skillet, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add Liquids and Pasta (2 minutes): Return chicken to the pan. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add pasta and stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.
  5. Simmer and Stir (15-18 minutes): Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 15-18 minutes. Add splash of broth if too dry.
  6. Finish with Cheese (2 minutes): Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Notes

Do not skip browning the chicken for better flavor and texture. Season in layers by adding Cajun seasoning to both chicken and sauce. Use medium heat when simmering to avoid burning or uneven cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Use tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni for best sauce cling. Stir cheese in off heat to keep sauce silky. For gluten-free, swap pasta with gluten-free or spiralized zucchini. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot meal, spicy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-bold-flavor-meal/