Description
Enjoy a flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta made in one pot with tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a luscious cream cheese sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chicken Pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: Combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken breast into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Toss the chicken cubes with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes on each side just until the outside develops some color. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Use the moisture from the onion to loosen any browned bits stuck on the skillet bottom for extra flavor.
- Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Combine everything evenly, then cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Lower the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick, saucy consistency.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese in chunks to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted fully into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with sliced green onions and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a 4-quart deep skillet to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer during cooking.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
