Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cubes of chicken breast are seasoned with smoky Cajun spices, seared, and then simmered with penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth to create a savory, saucy base. Cream cheese is stirred in at the end for a luscious, creamy finish, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a subtle bite. All cooked in a single skillet, this hearty dish combines bold Cajun flavors with a comforting creamy texture in just 30 minutes.
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, cut into chunks
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Toss the cubed chicken breast in the seasoning until fully coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the chicken develops a golden color. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens. Use the moisture from the onion to scrape and dissolve any browned bits from the skillet bottom to enhance flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Mix everything evenly in the skillet, then cover with a lid and bring the broth to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, keep the lid on, and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and the liquid is reduced to a thick, flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Garnish: Add cream cheese chunks to the skillet and stir continuously until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce. Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein and easy cooking.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking or burning.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
- For a richer flavor, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth or use half-and-half instead of cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
