One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and comforting dish that’s made in just one pot for easy prep and cleanup. Juicy seasoned chicken is cooked with tender pasta in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce that’s loaded with flavor and just the right kick. It’s a weeknight favorite with restaurant-quality taste.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, smoky peppers, and penne come together in one pot for an easy weeknight win!
Why This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
- Bold Cajun Flavor: Spicy, smoky, and savory from the perfect blend of Cajun spices.
- Creamy Sauce: Rich, velvety, and perfectly coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
- Tender Chicken: Seasoned and seared to perfection for juicy, flavorful bites.
- Family Favorite: A dish that pleases everyone at the table—spicy, creamy, and filling.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights.
Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and flavoring the chicken and vegetables while adding richness to the dish.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all the Cajun spices.
- Cajun Seasoning: A bold, zesty blend that brings heat, depth, and Southern-inspired flavor to the entire dish.
- Red & Yellow Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to balance the spice.
- Red Onion: Provides a slightly sweet, tangy contrast and extra texture to the pasta.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a savory bite.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Acts as the base liquid, adding moisture and savory richness to cook the pasta and blend the flavors.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Add a subtle smoky flavor and acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious, velvety texture that makes the pasta creamy and indulgent.
- Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the sauce and spices in every bite.
- Cornstarch + Water: Thickens the sauce slightly for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty richness that melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbaceous touch.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Tips for Making the Best One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Use Good Cajun Seasoning: Make your own or pick one with balanced heat and flavor.
- Brown the Chicken Well: A good sear adds depth and texture.
- Stir Often: Helps prevent pasta from sticking as it cooks in the sauce.
- Add Cream at the End: For a smooth and silky finish, stir in the cream last.
- Balance the Heat: Add extra cream or a squeeze of lemon if the spice is too strong.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
- With a Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta.
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- With Parmesan Cheese: Top with extra grated Parmesan for added richness.
- With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
A Must Try
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta brings together spicy Cajun flavors, creamy pasta, and juicy chicken in a fast, fuss-free dinner you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in one pot—what more could you ask for? Try it tonight and watch it disappear from everyone’s plates!
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, smoky peppers, and penne come together in one pot for an easy weeknight win!
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One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, smoky peppers, and penne come together in one pot for an easy weeknight win!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 14.5 oz cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream divided
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced into strips, around 2-inches long
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced into strips, around 2-inches long
- 1 small 5 - 6 oz red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tabelspoon water
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- While that warms up, toss your chicken with ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to give it a flavorful kick.
- Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer—don’t overcrowd it! Let it cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes so it gets nicely browned on the bottom.
- Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until it’s cooked through. Once done, move the chicken to a piece of foil and wrap it up to keep it warm and juicy.
- In the same pot, pour in the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bell peppers and onion, and sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and the rest of the Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon), and cook for just 1 more minute to wake up all those spicy, garlicky flavors.
- Now it’s time to build the sauce! Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and ½ cup of heavy cream. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then stir in the pasta.
- Let the pasta cook, stirring often so nothing sticks, for about 12–13 minutes until it's almost done.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixed with a little water to help thicken things up, and cook for 1 more minute—just until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is nice and creamy.
- Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup of cream, the grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and that delicious cooked chicken.
- Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve it up warm and enjoy every bite!
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One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, smoky peppers, and penne come together in one pot for an easy weeknight win!