Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and creamy sauce all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe infuses penne pasta with a vibrant blend of fire roasted tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and rich cream cheese for a luscious finish.
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
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
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make the Cajun seasoning. Cut the chicken breast into cubes and toss them with the seasoning until well coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the outside develops a nice color. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens slightly. The moisture from the onion will help lift any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, enhancing flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly, then cover with a lid.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer uncovered (or with the lid slightly ajar) for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Melt the Cream Cheese and Finish: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Stirring the pasta frequently during simmering prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- You can adjust cayenne pepper amount to modify spice level according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
- If you want to make this dish gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
