Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe features tender, seasoned chicken simmered with penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes, and a creamy sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and flavorful dish combines smoky paprika, oregano, thyme, and a touch of cayenne for spice, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum taste.
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
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make the Cajun seasoning. Cube the chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces and toss them in the seasoning to coat evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until the outside develops a golden color, but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, enhancing flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for around 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a saucy consistency.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Finish: Add cream cheese in chunks to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices to enhance smoky flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level of the dish.
- If you prefer, substitute penne with similarly sized pasta like rigatoni or ziti.
- Stir frequently while simmering to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting cream cheese with a vegan alternative.