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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A flavorful, fuss-free creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, spicy seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce for an easy comfort meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning in a mixing bowl and let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté diced onion and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir to combine. Add dry pasta directly into the pot and stir well to submerge.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but al dente. Add broth if needed to maintain sauce consistency.
  6. Return browned chicken to the pot, stir to combine, and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

If sauce gets too thick, loosen with a splash of chicken broth or cream before serving. Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and achieve creamy consistency. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta but note cooking times may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight dinner

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