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This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Packed with bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce, it's a dish that satisfies the whole family without piling up the dishes. Perfect for those craving a cozy, restaurant-quality dinner at home.
A Southern Comfort Classic Made Easy
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed quick but satisfying dinners. The way the pasta soaks up all those amazing Cajun spices while cooking in the same pot as everything else is pure genius. Plus that creamy sauce gets even better as all the flavors meld together making it an instant family favorite.
What You'll Need
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites. Cube into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Penne Pasta: Ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Substitute with other short pasta shapes if needed.
- Cajun Spices: A blend of smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt for bold, spicy flavor.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Add a smoky, tangy base to the sauce. Regular diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base for the sauce. Use low-sodium if preferred.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy texture. Substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half for variation.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness to balance the heat.
- Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and enhancing flavor.
- Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds brightness and color.
Let's Make It Together
- Season and Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with Cajun spices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté diced yellow onion until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Liquids
- Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Pasta
- Add penne pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced, about 12-15 minutes.
- Finish with Cream Cheese
- Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Making It Perfect
Through many attempts at perfecting this dish I've learned some helpful tricks. Don't rush the browning of the chicken those crispy bits add so much flavor to the final sauce. When adding the cream cheese cut it into smaller pieces so it melts more easily. And always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end sometimes it needs an extra pinch of Cajun spice to really make it sing.
Keeping It Fresh
This pasta keeps beautifully for a few days in the fridge which makes it perfect for meal prep. When reheating I add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Sometimes I'll even make extra just to have leftovers they're that good. And don't forget a piece of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
- Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. Start with less if you prefer milder food, or add more for extra kick.
- → What can I substitute for cream cheese?
- Heavy cream or mascarpone cheese can work as alternatives to cream cheese. Each will provide a different level of creaminess but will still result in a delicious sauce.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute penne with other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While best served fresh, you can prepare the Cajun seasoning mix ahead of time. The complete dish can be made and reheated, though the pasta might absorb more sauce over time.