Description
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky Cajun spices, tender chicken, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a flavorful meal without the hassle. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to customize with shrimp, sausage, or extra veggies. Dive into this creamy, spicy, one-pot wonder tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and paprika, then cook in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and add the uncooked penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customizations: Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
- Adjust Spice: To reduce spice, use less Cajun seasoning or add more cream. For extra heat, sprinkle in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20