Can I make this pasta less spicy?

Yes! To reduce the spice level, simply cut back on the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning or omit it entirely. If you want a little heat without overpowering spice, start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t absorb the sauce as effectively in a one-pot method.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu can be used as an alternative. If using shrimp, add it toward the end of cooking, as it cooks much faster than chicken.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Description

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, spicy, and ultra-comforting dish made in just one pan for easy cleanup. It combines tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, this is the perfect quick and healthy meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 yellow onion, diced
8 ounces penne pasta
15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups chicken broth
2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Toss the cubed chicken in the spice mixture until fully coated.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.
Add the Onion: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. The moisture from the onion will help lift any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Incorporate the Pasta and Liquid: Pour in the penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Simmer the Pasta: Cover the pan with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Melt the Cream Cheese: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a creamy, rich sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese or omit it for a lighter sauce.
For extra protein, stir in cooked shrimp, sausage, or even white beans.
To thicken the sauce, let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking, as it will absorb more liquid.
If reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Cajun, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 483
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 14.5g
Saturated Fat: 5.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg