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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, cream cheese, and pasta in one skillet.
Ready in about 35 minutes.
Perfect for easy weeknight family dinners
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun-Inspired

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