Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta - 30 Minutes Recipe
Creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta made in 30 minutes.Chicken, pasta, and peppers cooked together in a rich Cajun cream sauce.Easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts about 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta gluten-free if needed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare chicken, peppers, onion, and garlic; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and half the Cajun seasoning. Sear for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add bell peppers and onion. Sauté 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in broth and cream. Stir in cream cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
- Add uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover and simmer 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat and rest 2–3 minutes to thicken before serving this Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For extra richness, finish with a splash of warm cream before serving.