Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 lb. fettuccine; 1 can (15 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz. cream cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; 2 green onions, sliced

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Everything cooks in one pot — fewer dishes, less fuss.
It’s rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful thanks to the spices, tomatoes, and cream cheese.
Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting but still quick.
Uses simple ingredients — many of them pantry staples — and doesn’t break the bank.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cajun Seasoning
smoked paprika
oregano
thyme
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper
black pepper
salt

Chicken Pasta
olive oil
butter
boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into cubes)
yellow onion, diced
penne pasta (or any short pasta)
fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
cream cheese
green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

Mix together the spices to make the Cajun seasoning. Toss the cubed chicken with the seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat the 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, just until the outside gets some color — it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about two more minutes until it begins to soften. Use the onion’s moisture to help deglaze any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes — stirring every couple of minutes — until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a saucy texture.
Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet, then stir until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce.
Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

For less heat: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or omit it entirely.
For a lighter (less creamy) version: Substitute cream cheese with a splash of heavy cream or half‑and‑half — or skip the creamy element altogether.
Add extra protein or flavor — try cooked bacon, or add shrimp instead of (or in addition to) chicken.
Incorporate vegetables — chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach could bulk up the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth (or water) if the sauce has thickened too much. Heat until piping hot before serving. Cream-based sauces may thicken over time; adding liquid helps restore a creamy consistency.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to moderate heat from the cayenne pepper and other spices. You can control the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes — boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker meat. They’ll add a slightly different flavor and more richness.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they cook evenly in the one‑pot method. Avoid long noodles (like spaghetti) since they might not cook evenly in the liquid mixture.

I don’t have cream cheese — what can I use instead?

You can swap with a splash of heavy cream or half‑and‑half to make the sauce creamy. Or, skip the creamy element entirely if you prefer a tomato-based pasta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes — omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.) for more flavor and substance.

How can I make the sauce thicker (or thinner)?

If the sauce is too thin, let the pasta simmer uncovered for a couple of additional minutes to let liquid evaporate. If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze leftovers, but cream-based sauces may separate or change texture when thawed. It’s generally better to store refrigerated and eat within a few days.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes — it reheats well, especially if you add a splash of broth when reheating. It’s a convenient option for leftovers or packed lunches.

Can I add more vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms all work well. Add them when you add the tomatoes and broth, or sauté them along with the onion for extra flavor.

What side dishes go well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad or some garlic bread pairs nicely with the creamy, spicy pasta. A side of veggies or crusty bread also complements the dish well.

Conclusion

This one‑pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a perfect weeknight meal: quick, comforting, and full of flavor — with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, its customizable spice level, simple ingredients, and creamy finish make it a go-to recipe. Try it as-is for a satisfying dinner, or play around with vegetables, proteins, and spice levels to make it your own.