This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, bold, and packed with flavor—all made in a single pot. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, colorful peppers, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce come together for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the mess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = minimal cleanup
- Creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying
- Family-friendly with adjustable heat
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add to pot in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté bell peppers and onion for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook, stirring often, until nearly tender (12–13 minutes).
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining cream, parmesan, parsley, and cooked chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking
- Add extra cream for a milder, richer sauce
- Swap penne with rotini or rigatoni if needed
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
Is One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Cream is recommended for richness, but whole milk can work.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well; best enjoyed fresh.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Reheating: Stovetop or microwave with added liquid
Similar Recipes
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 14.5 oz cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream divided
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Toss chicken with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add to pot in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
- Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté bell peppers and onion for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook, stirring often, until nearly tender (12–13 minutes).
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining cream, parmesan, parsley, and cooked chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for spice preference
Conclusion
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, comforting, and perfectly spiced, it’s a reliable dinner recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.