This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta stands out as a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines the bold, smoky spice of Cajun seasoning with creamy textures and wholesome ingredients.
It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, delivering a balance of macronutrients with approximately 35g of protein per serving—ideal for muscle repair and satiety.
The pasta provides complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and sustained energy.
Incorporating cream cheese and olive oil adds good fats, contributing to a rich mouthfeel without excessive saturated fat.
The one-pot method makes cleanup a breeze, while the use of pantry staples means this recipe is accessible and quick to prepare.
It’s an excellent choice for busy cooks seeking a hearty, balanced dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results:
4-Quart Deep Skillet
Essential for evenly cooking the chicken, sautéing onions, and simmering pasta in one pot. Its generous depth prevents spills and allows efficient heat distribution—perfect for a variety of one-pot meals.
Chef’s Knife
Critical for cutting chicken into uniform cubes and dicing onions quickly and safely. A sharp, comfortable knife streamlines prep work and reduces effort.
Measuring Spoons
Ensure precise seasoning of the Cajun spice blend, guaranteeing consistent flavor every time. Accurate measuring tools elevate home cooking from guesswork to mastery.
Wooden Spoon
Ideal for stirring the pasta mixture without scratching the skillet’s surface. It provides gentle, effective stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Lid for Skillet
Helps trap steam and heat to cook pasta efficiently, speeding up the simmer process while keeping flavors concentrated.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cajun Seasoning :In a small bowl, mix together all the dried spices—smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Set aside this flavorful blend to coat the chicken.
- Season the Chicken : Place the cubed chicken breast into a medium bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken just long enough to develop a golden brown crust on each side—about 2-3 minutes per side—but don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the chicken. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The moisture from the onion will help lift any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so the ingredients are well mixed. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer, uncovered or lightly covered, for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and become tender while the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese chunks to the skillet and gently stir until they melt completely, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the pasta before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color
Notes
- Use a deep skillet or sauté pan with at least a 4-quart capacity to comfortably hold all ingredients and prevent overflow during simmering.
- Adjust the heat as needed during simmering to maintain a gentle boil without burning the pasta or sticking to the pan. Frequent stirring is important.
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce at the end.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Pasta
To get the most from this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, layering flavors is key.
Start by thoroughly coating the chicken with the Cajun seasoning mix; this ensures every bite bursts with bold, smoky spice.
When searing the chicken, aim for a golden-brown crust by cooking over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan.
This caramelization adds depth and richness to the dish.
Using fire-roasted diced tomatoes introduces a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
Be mindful when simmering the pasta—stir regularly to prevent sticking and adjust heat to maintain a gentle boil, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth without drying out.
Finally, don’t rush adding the cream cheese; letting it melt slowly creates a silky, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Dinner
This one-pot Cajun chicken pasta shines as a satisfying main course on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh, crunchy sides.
Consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the pasta.
Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, add texture and nutrients for a well-rounded meal.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley over the pasta before serving to add brightness and enhance the presentation.
A chilled glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the spicy, creamy flavors beautifully.
Storage Tips for Freshness Longevity
Proper storage is essential to maintain the delicious flavors and textures of this dish.
Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container.
Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to three days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain creaminess.
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne works well for holding the creamy sauce, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli will work perfectly.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to increase or reduce heat. For milder flavor, omit cayenne altogether or reduce it to a pinch.
3. Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
4. Can I substitute cream cheese with another dairy product?
You can use mascarpone or sour cream for a similar creamy texture, but cream cheese provides the best balance of richness and tang.
5. What if I don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes?
Regular canned diced tomatoes work fine, but fire-roasted adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the Cajun flavor profile.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by budgetbytes. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.