Description
This one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish made with tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and pasta all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a variation.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 758mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
