If you’re craving a bold, comforting dinner with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one skillet for an easy meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy Cajun-inspired flavor.
- Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chicken Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the uncooked penne, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cream cheese in small pieces and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately. This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed hot with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan as an optional topping for extra richness.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Add spinach during the last few minutes for extra vegetables.
- Bell peppers or mushrooms make excellent additions.
- Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juicy results.
- Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well instead of penne.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 565
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQ
Can I make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta less spicy?
Yes. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor while still enjoying the smoky Cajun seasoning.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or shells all cook well using the same method.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but the dish can still be frozen for up to two months.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or milk until creamy again.
Similar Recipes
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Chicken Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the uncooked penne, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cream cheese in small pieces and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately. This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed hot with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juicy results.
- Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well instead of penne.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for more vegetables.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta—all made in a single skillet. It’s an easy dinner recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade meal with minimal cleanup.