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Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta - featured image
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This easy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a one-pot dinner packed with juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a smoky, spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 into strips
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or red)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (use gluten-free pasta 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

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, slice bell peppers into strips, dice onion, and mince garlic. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning. Sear for 2-3 minutes until just golden but not cooked through.
  3. Add bell peppers and onion to the pan. Sauté for 3 minutes until peppers soften and onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  5. Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Pasta should be al dente and most liquid absorbed.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and plant-based cheese. Let the pasta rest off heat for a few minutes for a silky sauce. Leftovers taste great reheated with a splash of broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, spicy chicken pasta, comfort food, family recipe

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/