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

Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

It’s all made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup
You get bold, smoky Cajun flavor from smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion powders, cayenne and black pepper
The cream cheese melts into the sauce to deliver a rich, creamy texture that balances the spice and acidity
It comes together quickly: about 10 minutes prep and 20 minutes cooking
Budget‑friendly and versatile: you can adjust the heat, swap proteins or add veggies easily

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
Olive oil
Butter
Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Yellow onion, diced
Penne pasta (or another short pasta shape)
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
Chicken broth
Cream cheese
Green onions, sliced

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make the Cajun seasoning.
Cut the chicken into ½‑ to ¾‑inch cubes. Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium‑high until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the exterior gets color—but the chicken need not be fully cooked through at this point.
Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté about 2 more minutes until the onion begins to soften and the browned bits lift from the bottom of the pan.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Cover with a lid and bring the broth to a boil. Then reduce 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 sauce.
Add the cream cheese in chunks to the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spice level: Decrease or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat; or increase it for more kick
Creaminess: Substitute cream cheese with ¼ cup heavy cream or ½ cup half‑and‑half, or omit for a lighter version
Protein swap: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor
Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or frozen mixed veggies along with the onion
Seafood twist: Replace or add shrimp at the end for a Cajun shrimp pasta version
Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan just before serving for extra flavor

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water until heated through
Microwave reheating is also fine; stir halfway and add a little liquid to prevent dryness
Add extra liquid if the pasta absorbs too much sauce during storage
For freezing: allow to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat with added liquid

FAQs

What if I don’t have fire‑roasted diced tomatoes?

You can use regular diced tomatoes, though fire-roasted adds a nice smoky depth. A pinch of smoked paprika can help replicate the flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle will work. Avoid long noodles as they won’t cook evenly in a one-pot method.

My sauce got too thick / the pasta absorbed too much liquid—what can I do?

Add extra broth, milk, or water while reheating to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.

How can I reduce the heat if the dish is too spicy?

Omit or reduce the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. You can also serve it with sour cream or yogurt to mellow the spice.

Can I make this dairy‑free?

Yes. Skip the cream cheese and use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Adjust the liquid as needed to balance consistency.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the sauté step to boost nutrition and flavor.

Will this work with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and add more richness to the dish.

Can I prepare this ahead and just reheat later?

You can prep ingredients ahead, but it’s best cooked fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Is this recipe freezer‑friendly?

It can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with broth or milk to freshen up the sauce.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can try heavy cream, sour cream, or a dairy-free cream substitute. These will offer a different consistency but still taste great.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect solution for quick, satisfying dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor. It’s smoky, spicy, creamy, and incredibly easy to make in just 30 minutes. With plenty of options to customize and adjust to your preferences, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.