Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pot is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce served over whole wheat penne pasta. The dish combines spicy, savory, and creamy textures for a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Vegetables
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Carbohydrates
- 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta, cooked
Herbs
- 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken pieces thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, then sprinkle evenly with flour and coat well. Start heating water for pasta simultaneously and add pasta once boiling.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When sizzling, add chicken and cook until deeply browned and crispy, flipping occasionally, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 2 more tablespoons butter, then toss in diced onions and sliced bell peppers. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add remaining butter and mushrooms; cook an additional 5-6 minutes until mushrooms soften. Stir in minced garlic.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Increase heat to medium-high. Pour in chicken stock slowly while stirring and scraping the skillet bottom. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-6 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower heat, stir in heavy cream.
- Combine and Finish: Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
- Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
- For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet when adding chicken stock to lift all the flavorful browned bits.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
