Cooking at home can sometimes feel like a chore, but when I discovered this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, everything changed! This dish is an absolute game-changer and has quickly become a go-to for my busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, creamy goodness, and the perfect hint of spice. Plus, everything comes together in one pot—what could be better than that? With pantry-stable ingredients, I can whip up this Cajun Chicken Pasta anytime the craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless one-pot cleanup means less time doing dishes and more time savoring your meal.
- Bold flavors come together easily; the smokiness of the Cajun seasoning strikes the perfect balance with the creaminess.
- Quick to prepare! In just 30 minutes, a full and satisfying dinner is ready.
- Budget-friendly, costing less than $10 for a meal that serves four hungry souls.
Ingredients
– Cajun seasoning blend for that signature spicy flair.
– Olive oil and butter serve as the perfect base for sautéing the chicken.
– Boneless, skinless chicken breast—tender and juicy.
– Yellow onion to provide sweetness and depth of flavor.
– Uncooked penne pasta, the star of the show that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
– Fire roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the dish.
– Chicken broth, which forms the savory base for our sauce.
– Cream cheese creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
– Fresh green onions add a lovely crunch and garnish flair!
**Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.**
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get into the fun part! First, we need to prepare our Cajun seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Set it aside; this seasoning will provide a delightful kick to our chicken!
Next, take the chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized cubes. As I do this, I can already picture how beautifully it will turn out! Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over it, and stir it all together until the chicken is coated evenly. It smells incredible already!
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until it is hot and the butter melts into a lovely foam. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, browning it for a couple of minutes on each side. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through at this point; I promise it will come together beautifully soon.
Next, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for another two minutes, allowing it to soften and release its moisture. Those tasty brown bits at the bottom are golden nuggets of flavor—so, let’s take advantage of that!
Now it’s time for our pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (don’t forget to include all those delicious juices!), and chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine. Once combined, cover the skillet with a lid and let that magic happen as it comes to a boil.
Once we have a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes. Remember to stir every few minutes! In no time, the pasta will cook to tenderness while the liquid thickens beautifully into a scrumptiously saucy dish.
Finally, for that velvety finish, add the cream cheese in chunks over the pasta and stir until it’s melted and blended into that luscious sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness, and voila! Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is ready to impress.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– For an extra kick, feel free to add more cayenne or even some hot sauce to the finished dish.
– If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt; it still offers creaminess!
– Make sure to stir frequently while the pasta simmers; it prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
– Leftover chicken can be shredded or chopped and used for salads or wraps, making it versatile!
How to Serve
I often serve my Cajun Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad, bursting with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette. A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, so don’t be shy about having some on the table! For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. It’s the little details that make meals feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish makes excellent leftovers! If you have any servings left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creaminess if needed. As for freezing, I wouldn’t recommend it—pasta can get mushy when thawed. However, the sauce can be frozen separately if you’d like to prepare just the creamy sauce in advance for future meals.
Cooking with love is what it’s all about, and I’m excited to share this delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe with you! With minimal cleanup, mouthwatering flavors, and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t wait too long to give it a try—enjoy your homemade meal and happy cooking!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika $0.20
- 1 tsp oregano $0.10
- 1 tsp thyme $0.10
- ½ tsp garlic powder $0.05
- ½ tsp onion powder $0.05
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper $0.03
- ¼ tsp black pepper $0.02
- ¼ tsp salt $0.02
Chicken Pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
- 1 Tbsp butter $0.13
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast $5.47
- 1 yellow onion, diced $0.32
- ½ lb penne pasta (uncooked) $0.75
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes $1.00
- 2 cups chicken broth $0.26
- 2 oz cream cheese $0.50
- 3 green onions, sliced $0.25
Instructions
- Combine Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Cut chicken into cubes and coat with seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cover to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Top with green onions and serve.