Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced; 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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If you’re hunting for a soul-warming, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new weeknight rockstar. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken mingles with buttery pasta ribbons and a garlicky cream sauce, all in one pot for max flavor and minimum fuss. This is the kind of hearty, colorful comfort food that delights everyone around the table, whether you’re craving a solo bowl after a long day or planning to wow friends with big, bold Southern flavors.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with a handful of kitchen staples and a pop of Cajun attitude. Each ingredient plays its part – spice for boldness, cream for lusciousness, and colorful veggies for both crunch and visual appeal.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless strips soak up the Cajun seasoning and stay extra juicy.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish, bringing heat, smokiness, and lots of personality.
Paprika: Boosts both color and a gentle warmth that enhances the Cajun flavors.
Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning duo that lets the other bold flavors shine.
Garlic: Fresh cloves add pungency and sweet depth as they sizzle in the pot.
Red bell pepper: Sliced for sweet crunch and a splash of color.
Onion: Provides savory undertones and softens into the base of the sauce.
Pasta: Penne or fettuccine both work – they soak up the creamy sauce for every bite.
Chicken broth: Intensifies the savory notes and makes the sauce ultra-flavorful.
Heavy cream: Transforms the broth into a silky, dreamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Offers nutty, salty richness right at the end for extra creaminess.
Parsley: Chopped fresh for a finishing touch of color and herbaceous freshness.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken strips in a generous coat of Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This quick marination ensures that every bite is bursting with zesty, smoky flavor, and sets the spicy tone for your dish right from the get-go.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up your olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high flame. Lay in the seasoned chicken strips and let them sizzle undisturbed, flipping once, until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 4 to 5 minutes). Then, scoop them out and keep them warm – they’ll be back soon for their creamy encore.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot (don’t wipe it out, keep those tasty browned bits!) add your garlic, red bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant. This builds a foundation of sweet and savory flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.

Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot with your sautéed veggies. Give it all a good stir, scraping up anything delicious stuck to the bottom. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every so often. The pasta will absorb the liquids, turning everything rich and velvety.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in your grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and lush. Slide the cooked chicken (plus any juices!) back into the pot. Toss to coat every piece with the savory sauce – you’ll know it’s ready when it smells utterly irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for color and freshness. Spoon your beautiful One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe into big bowls and serve it piping hot. Each bite is creamy, kicky, and totally comforting.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A final scatter of chopped fresh parsley does wonders here, adding a pop of green and liveliness to all that creaminess. For extra heat, toss on a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dusting of smoked paprika before serving. If you want even more Cajun flair, a little drizzle of hot sauce is a bold (and delicious) move.

Side Dishes

This pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with sides that don’t compete for attention. Warm, crusty bread (perfect for swiping up every bit of sauce), a crisp green salad, or just a platter of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes all work beautifully. For a true Southern touch, serve with a side of skillet-seared corn or sautéed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe family-style in the pot right on your table – it’s cozy and inviting. For a dinner party, try portioning the pasta into individual bowls or nestle it atop a bed of sautéed spinach. Garnish with extra Parmesan or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the leftover pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may soak into the pasta a bit, but the flavors deepen and mellow, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

While creamy pastas can be tricky to freeze, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe stands up better than most. Cool it quickly, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your pasta, add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce and reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until hot and creamy. If microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are classic, but rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will soak up the sauce beautifully. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add a splash more broth if needed.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you add extra cayenne or hot sauce. For a milder version, use less seasoning or choose a mild blend. Spice lovers can pump it up to their liking.

Can I add vegetables or greens?

Definitely! Add baby spinach in the last few minutes of simmering, or toss in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms with the peppers and onions. It’s an easy way to amp up the nutrition and add more color.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter spin, swap in half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt stirred in at the end (off the heat). The texture will be slightly lighter, but still plenty creamy and satisfying.

Will this recipe work with shrimp or sausage?

Yes! Shrimp or sliced smoked sausage are fabulous in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. Brown the sausage or sear the shrimp before the veggies, set aside, and return them to the sauce just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, one bite of this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dinner at my house. It’s simple enough for busy nights, but impressive enough for guests – and the flavor is pure Cajun comfort. Grab your pot and dive in; this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen as well!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together easily in one pan. Tender chicken strips are cooked with Cajun spices, bell peppers, onions, and pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 onion, sliced
12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté garlic, bell pepper, and onion until softened.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed.
Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, return chicken to the pot, and mix until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve.