One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Your Ultimate Spicy Weeknight Dinner
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a culinary delight, bursting with a symphony of spicy flavors and tender textures. Imagine succulent chicken pieces, vibrant roasted bell peppers, and sweet onions, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. The best part? Everything comes together effortlessly in a single pot, making it an ideal choice for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight meal.
Why This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a Must-Try
This Cajun chicken pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to convenience without compromising on flavor. The magic truly lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of taste achieved with a homemade blend of Cajun seasoning. Forget the hassle of boiling noodles in a separate pot or juggling multiple pans to get your chicken and sauce just right. This entire dish, from perfectly cooked pasta to tender chicken and a rich, spicy cream sauce, is prepared in a single pot right on your stovetop.
One-pot meals are a dream for busy evenings, significantly reducing cleanup time and making cooking feel less like a chore. By cooking the pasta directly in the chicken broth and sauce, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors, resulting in an incredibly delicious and cohesive dish. This method ensures your pasta is infused with the robust Cajun spices and creamy goodness from the very first bite.
If you have a penchant for bold, zesty, and spicy flavors, Cajun cuisine will undoubtedly captivate your palate. Our carefully curated Cajun seasoning blend, with its star player – cayenne pepper – delivers an invigorating kick that wakes up the senses. This versatile spice blend isn’t just for pasta; it elevates everything from succulent seafood and vibrant Cajun chicken salads to hearty gumbos. This recipe perfectly showcases the seasoning’s ability to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
Beyond its incredible taste, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is remarkably adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers, the generous portions and satisfying nature of this dish make it a fantastic choice. It’s comforting, hearty, and offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to add this easy, flavorful, and incredibly convenient one-pot wonder to your regular rotation!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Crafting this flavorful Cajun chicken pasta requires a selection of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly memorable meal. We’ll be focusing on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a homemade Cajun spice blend for that signature kick, fresh aromatics like onion, and creamy elements to bring it all together. You’ll find a complete list with all exact measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Flavor Customization Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your substitution options can elevate your cooking experience and tailor this dish to your preference. Here’s a deeper dive into the key components:
CHICKEN – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a classic choice for pasta dishes due to its lean texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, feel free to experiment! For a richer flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a fantastic alternative. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed. This recipe is also incredibly versatile for other proteins:
- Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking, as they cook very quickly.
- Sausage: Sliced and browned Andouille sausage (for an authentic Cajun twist) or Italian sausage can add robust flavor. Cook it before the chicken and set aside, adding it back in with the chicken and onion.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, simply omit the chicken. You can boost the flavor with extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based protein alternatives.
SEASONINGS – Our homemade Cajun seasoning is what truly makes this dish sing with authentic, spicy flavor. The blend typically includes:
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a lovely color and a subtle smoky depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: The primary source of heat. This is a spicy dish, so if you prefer less heat, we highly recommend reducing the amount of cayenne pepper by half, or even more, to suit your taste.
- Chili Powder: Adds a foundational, earthy spice.
- Oregano: Contributes an aromatic, herbaceous note.
- Garlic Salt & Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers.
While we encourage you to try our blend, if convenience is key, a good quality store-bought Cajun seasoning will work beautifully. Start with about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons and adjust to your spice preference. Always taste and adjust!
CREAM CHEESE – The cream cheese is crucial for achieving that lusciously thick and creamy texture in your sauce, while also adding a subtle tangy note. For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This allows it to melt quickly and smoothly, integrating seamlessly into the sauce without lumps. If cream cheese isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with a splash of heavy cream for richness, or use a combination of milk (or half-and-half) thickened with a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed in before adding to the pan.
OLIVE OIL – Used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, it helps to build the initial flavor base. Any neutral cooking oil can be used as a substitute if olive oil is not available.
ONION – Yellow or white onion, finely chopped, provides a sweet and savory aromatic foundation. They caramelize slightly as they cook, adding depth to the sauce.
ROASTED RED BELL PEPPER – These jarred peppers are incredibly convenient and add a smoky, sweet flavor and a beautiful color to the dish. Make sure to drain and chop them well. If you prefer, you can roast your own fresh red bell peppers or use fresh bell peppers sautéed until tender for a brighter flavor.
PENNE PASTA – This sturdy, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for creamy sauces as it holds the sauce well both inside and out. However, many other pasta shapes would work beautifully in this one-pot recipe, such as rotini, rigatoni, bow ties, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces. The key is to use uncooked pasta so it absorbs the broth and flavors directly.
CHICKEN BROTH – The liquid base for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce. It infuses the entire dish with savory chicken flavor. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
GARNISHES – Shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley add the perfect finishing touches. Parmesan provides a salty, umami depth, while fresh parsley offers a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich, spicy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. For a comprehensive printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Begin by preparing your protein: carefully cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and easier distribution throughout the pasta.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with all the vibrant spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly rub this aromatic oil and spice mixture into the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4 minutes, allowing it to brown nicely. Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion has softened.
- Stir in the drained and chopped roasted red bell pepper, allowing its sweet, smoky notes to meld with the chicken and onions.
- Introduce the uncooked penne pasta and the chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure it cooks evenly, absorbing all the delicious broth.
- Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Add the room-temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently and occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the creamy sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture.
- To finish, generously garnish your flavorful Cajun chicken pasta with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Pasta
Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.
While we prefer penne pasta for its ability to hold creamy sauces, this recipe is quite forgiving. You can certainly use other robust pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, bow tie, or even a shorter cut of spaghetti. The key is to use a pasta that stands up well to a hearty sauce and can absorb the cooking liquid effectively.
Absolutely! The cayenne pepper is the primary heat source. For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half, or even more, to match your family’s preference. You can always add a pinch more at the end if you decide it needs an extra kick, but you can’t take it away!
If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in a small amount of extra chicken broth or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it cools.
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable! Sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or fresh spinach can be added with the onion to increase your vegetable intake. For spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts.
While technically possible, pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly, as the sauce can sometimes separate or become grainy. If you do freeze it, ensure it’s in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cajun Chicken Pasta
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is incredibly satisfying on its own, but a few simple additions can turn it into a truly memorable feast. Here are some serving suggestions to complement its rich flavors and spicy kick:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A must-have! Chunks of warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, creamy Cajun sauce. The textural contrast is also a wonderful addition.
- Fresh Side Salad: Balance the richness of the pasta with a light, crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette with lemon and olive oil will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy and creamy main course. Consider adding some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even a few candied pecans for extra crunch.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli florets can add extra nutrients and a fresh element to your meal.
- White Wine Pairing: For adult diners, a crisp, off-dry white wine like a Riesling or a slightly oaked Chardonnay can beautifully complement the spice and creaminess of the dish.
- Extra Garnishes: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! A generous sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, savory finish. Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also lift the flavors wonderfully.
Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes
If you’re a pasta enthusiast like us, you’ll love these other fantastic pasta dishes to add to your repertoire:
- Shrimp Pasta
- Pasta Carbonara
- Mushroom Ravioli
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
- Stuffed Shells
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Scallop Pasta
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Cajun Chicken Pasta
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 ⅕ pounds chicken breasts boneless skinless, about 2 large breasts
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon oregano
- ½ Tablespoon garlic salt
- ½ Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup onion yellow or white, chopped
- 12 ounces roasted red bell pepper 1 jar, drained and chopped
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ½ ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- shredded parmesan cheese for garnish
- fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Large heavy bottomed skillet with lid
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wooden spoon
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Chef’s knife
Before You Begin
- Do not cook the pasta ahead of time. You will add uncooked noodles to the dish and they will cook with the other ingredients, which will allow the flavors to absorb into the noodles.
- Cream cheese should be at room temperature so that it melts quickly from the heat in the skillet. If you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can substitute with a splash of heavy cream.
- This is a spicy dish. For less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half.
Instructions
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Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.
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Combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and all of the paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, oregano, garlic salt, and black pepper. Rub oil and spice mixture into chicken pieces.
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Add remaining olive oil to skillet over medium-high heat and heat until shimmering. Add chicken to hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes. Add onion and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink about 2-3 minutes more.
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Add roasted red bell pepper.
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Add penne pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure pasta cooks evenly.
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Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese. Stir occasionally until cream cheese is melted and incorporated.
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Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and parsley.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.