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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Okay, picture this: It’s been a long day, the kind where your brain is begging for comfort but your belly wants something with a little spice and excitement. That’s exactly where this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes in—like a warm hug with a sassy kick! I discovered this gem when I was trying to impress friends without making a four-course meal, and spoiler: it worked like magic every single time. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with juicy chicken, all simmered together in one pot for easy cleanup? Yes, please! Plus, the way that smoky Cajun seasoning mingles with the smooth pasta sauce will have your kitchen smelling like a southern bistro in no time.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, diced (red or green works great)
12 oz uncooked penne pasta
3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or pot. Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through—about 4-5 minutes. Set aside on a plate while you prep the veggies.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and the mix smells fragrant and sweet. Scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken to keep that flavor flowing.

Step 3:

Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.

Step 4:

Return the chicken to the pot with the pasta. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together. Cook uncovered for another 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and finish cooking the chicken through (165°F internal temp is the safe zone here).

Step 5:

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Step 6:

Sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Grab your fork and get ready for some serious comfort with a Cajun twist!

Variations & Tips

Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a seafood or meat-lover’s version.
Add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more color and nutrition.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter creaminess.
If you like it spicy, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
For gluten-free, use your favorite GF pasta and ensure broth is GF too.
If it gets too thick, just stir in a little more broth or milk to loosen.

How I Like to Serve It

This pasta shines on chilly weeknights when you want something hearty, but it’s also a hit at casual dinner parties where everyone loves bold flavors. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ve got an easy, elegant meal. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches—win-win!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess without drying out.

Closing: This one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is my go-to for delivering big flavor with hardly any fuss—trust me, it always hits the spot!