One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, tangy sauce in just one skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers serious comfort food energy with just the right kick of heat, all while being simple enough for any weeknight. Each bite is a celebration of savory, smoky, and creamy goodness—truly irresistible for anyone craving a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is just how straightforward the ingredients are, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, richness, or a pop of color. Don’t skip or sub out too much—this balanced lineup is what makes the dish shine!

• Smoked paprika: Brings earthy smokiness and a warm hue that’s key to Cajun seasoning.
• Oregano: Adds herbaceous depth and a touch of Mediterranean flair to the spice blend.
• Thyme: Offers a subtle lemony flavor and aromatic lift.
• Garlic powder: Lends a savory backbone that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Onion powder: A sweet, mild boost for the Cajun flavor profile.
• Cayenne pepper: Packs in that authentic Cajun heat; use less if you prefer it mild.
• Black pepper: Adds classic peppery warmth and balances the spice mix.
• Salt: Vital for bringing out all those bold flavors.
• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and creates a luxurious base for sauteing.
• Butter: Combines with the oil for richer flavor and irresistible aroma.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The protein hero—cut into bite-sized cubes for maximum seasoning and tenderness.
• Yellow onion: Offers a gentle sweetness and helps build a deeper, more rounded dish.
• Penne pasta (uncooked): Selected for its ability to grab onto all that creamy, spicy sauce.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juice): Provide smoky notes and bright acidity that complement the creamy elements perfectly.
• Chicken broth: Intensifies the savory element and gives enough liquid for the pasta to cook and the sauce to thicken.
• Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for that lusciously creamy finish.
• Green onions: The finishing touch—fresh, bright, and just a little peppery.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Mix the Cajun Seasoning and Coat the Chicken

Start by combining your Cajun spice blend: smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Chop your chicken breast into small, even-sized cubes—they’ll cook more uniformly and soak up maximum flavor. Toss the chicken with the spices until every piece is gorgeously coated and ready for the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Crank the heat up to medium-high and add olive oil and butter to your largest deep skillet. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, drop in the spiced chicken. Let it brown for a couple of minutes on each side. No need to cook it through just yet—the goal is to develop a flavorful exterior and a good sear.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Add your diced onion directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about two more minutes. The onion will start to soften, and the slight bit of moisture it releases helps unstick all those caramelized bits from the bottom—hello, flavor!

Step 4: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth

This step is where the magic of “one pot” cooking shines for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Add the uncooked penne, the entire can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (juice included!), and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir—it should look a bit soupy at this stage, but trust the process. Cover with a lid and let it come to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Once the pot is bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it all simmer. Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking, coaxing those noodles to al dente perfection as the sauce thickens. In about ten minutes, the pasta should be tender and the liquid reduced to a rich, saucy consistency.

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese and Finish

Turn off the heat and drop in the cream cheese in small chunks. Stir patiently as it melts into the sauce, transforming the whole skillet into a creamy dream. Finish by scattering sliced green onions over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Dinner is served!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing flourish for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is simple but impactful—thinly sliced green onions add punch and color. Feel free to go fancier with a little sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley, or even a dash of extra cayenne for those spice-lovers at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but it loves company. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Warm, crusty bread or garlic knots are fantastic for sopping up that sauce, while roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli will round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of cream, or pile it high in a family-style platter topped with colorful bell peppers. If you really want to impress, spoon your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta into hollowed-out bread bowls for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days—great for easy grab-and-go lunches or fast dinners later in the week.

Freezing

While pasta can sometimes change texture after freezing, this dish holds up better than most thanks to the creamy sauce. Place completely cooled One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, gently warm in a skillet on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Just avoid high heat to keep the creamy sauce silky and smooth!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully here—just dice them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay wonderfully juicy.

How spicy does this pasta turn out?

With a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the dish packs a gentle Cajun kick, but it’s definitely friendly even for moderate spice lovers. For extra heat, amp up the cayenne!

Can I make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your chicken broth for any hidden gluten sources. Be aware that gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time, so watch it closely.

What vegetables can I add to the dish?

Red bell pepper, spinach, or even zucchini are all tasty additions—just add sliced bell pepper with the onion or toss in leafy spinach at the end until wilted.

Will this recipe work with other types of pasta?

Definitely—rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli are all excellent choices that cling to the creamy sauce. Just keep an eye on the cook time and liquid; you may need to adjust the amount of broth slightly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is weeknight comfort at its best: bold, creamy, and completely crowd-pleasing with minimal fuss. Now all that’s left is to give it a try and see for yourself how quickly it becomes a new staple in your kitchen. You deserve something this delicious and easy—happy cooking!

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