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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cubes are seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend, sautéed with onions, and simmered together with penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth until perfectly cooked. Cream cheese is stirred in to create a luscious, creamy sauce, topped with fresh green onions for a burst of freshness.

Ingredients

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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

Main Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 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
  • 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make Cajun Seasoning and Prep Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cut chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Toss the cubed chicken with the prepared Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the outside is lightly browned but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
  3. Add Onion and Sauté: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Stir occasionally, allowing the onion moisture to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits off the bottom.
  4. Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: To the skillet, add uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and liquid has thickened into a saucy consistency.
  6. Finish with Cream Cheese and Garnish: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, making it creamy and rich. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute penne pasta with your favorite pasta shape, but cooking times may vary slightly.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and add a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • This recipe can be doubled to serve more people but use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the ingredients.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one pot pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/