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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender chicken, smoky Cajun seasoning, and a rich creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta (about 225 grams)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and toss with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Return chicken to the pot, spreading evenly. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check pasta for doneness.
  6. Remove lid and stir in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning if desired.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while warm and creamy. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure browning. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Stir occasionally but gently to prevent pasta from breaking. Add cream cheese at the end to avoid curdling. Adjust sauce thickness by simmering uncovered or adding broth/cream. Use gluten-free pasta or vegetable noodles for dietary adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Cajun seasoning, chicken recipe

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