Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes and cream cheese. Prepared entirely in one skillet, this 30-minute recipe makes for an easy, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning

2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Chicken and Cooking Base

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
1 yellow onion, diced

Pasta and Sauce

1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups chicken broth
2 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks

Garnish

3 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun seasoning. Toss the cubed chicken in the seasoning until fully coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the chicken’s exterior starts to brown but is not fully cooked through.
Add Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onions start to soften and any browned bits stick to the bottom of the skillet are loosened.
Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes along with their juices, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth to a boil.
Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy texture.
Add Cream Cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it completely melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions, and serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly according to taste.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall salt content if desired.
Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken during searing to keep it tender.