One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, and everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup. This recipe offers several variations, including spicy, non-spicy, creamy, and non-creamy options, so you can customize it to your liking.

This recipe has been thoroughly tested to ensure it’s easy, affordable, and delicious.

What is Cajun Chicken Pasta?

This tasty pasta dish is a weeknight favorite. Tender chicken, savory and spicy seasonings, tomatoes, pasta, and cream cheese combine in one pot to create a flavorful Cajun chicken pasta. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and feeds the whole family.

Ingredients

• Spices: Smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
• Fats: Olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil) and butter.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs).
• Onion: Yellow onion.
• Pasta: Penne pasta (any short pasta shape will work).
• Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
• Broth: Chicken broth (or chicken bouillon in water).
• Cream Cheese: For creaminess.
• Green Onions: For freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

This is a complete one-pot meal, but you can add a salad or bread. A classic Caesar salad complements the creaminess of the pasta, or try cornbread for a touch of sweetness.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the Heat: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Reduce it for less heat or omit it entirely if you prefer a mild flavor.
• Creamy or Not: Replace cream cheese with heavy cream (about 1/4 cup) or half-and-half (about 1/2 cup) for a different level of creaminess. You can also leave out the cream cheese for a non-creamy version.
• Make it Extra: Add cooked bacon or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Shrimp can also be added.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish made with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—rich, spicy, and creamy, all in just 30 minutes!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Recipe by admin

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Air Fryer RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It’s incredibly easy to make, and everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup.

Ingredients

• Cajun Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons 2 smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon 1 oregano

• 1 teaspoon 1 thyme

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Chicken Pasta

• 1 tablespoon 1 olive oil

• 1 tablespoon 1 butter

• 1 lb. 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

• 1 1 yellow onion, diced

• ½ lb. penne pasta (uncooked)

• 1 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 2 cups 2 chicken broth

• 2 oz. 2 cream cheese

• 3 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

• In a small bowl, mix all the Cajun seasoning ingredients. Toss the cubed chicken in the seasoning until evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 2 minutes per side until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked.
• Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally to release moisture and deglaze the pan.
• Pour in the pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir well, cover, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
• Add the cream cheese in small chunks and stir until fully melted into the sauce.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.