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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that combines smoky, spicy flavors with a rich sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half to lighten)
  • 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more, avoiding burning.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add pasta and stir to spread evenly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. After about 8 minutes, return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the pasta to finish cooking.
  6. Check pasta for al dente texture and chicken for doneness (internal temp 165°F). Add broth if sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun spice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning chicken to prevent steaming. Stir pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking. Add cream with broth and pasta to avoid sauce separation. Keep extra Cajun seasoning handy for added spice at the table. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes as needed.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/