If you adore flavor-packed, comforting meals that come together with minimal fuss, then you are absolutely going to love this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in cozy, spicy goodness—every bite bursting with bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce. Best of all, it uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and your dinner prep effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a soul-satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe truly hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is the first step to creating this deliciously creamy and spicy pasta dish. Each component brings its own magic, from aromatic herbs that layer the flavor, to tender chicken and fire-roasted tomatoes that add depth and color. Here’s everything that makes this recipe a star:
- Smoked paprika (2 tsp): Adds a smoky warmth foundational to the Cajun flavor profile.
- Oregano (1 tsp): Brings subtle earthiness to balance the spice.
- Thyme (1 tsp): Enhances aroma and adds complexity.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Delivers a gentle garlicky punch throughout the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Complements textures and deepens savory notes.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides just enough heat for a lively kick.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Freshly ground for mild pungency.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all other flavors seamlessly.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): For sautéing and adding a fruity richness.
- Butter (1 Tbsp): Offers silky mouthfeel and helps brown chicken beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast (1 lb): Cubed for tender bites of protein throughout.
- Yellow onion, diced (1): Sautéed until soft and fragrant to build base flavor.
- Penne pasta, uncooked (1/2 lb): Holds sauce perfectly thanks to its shape.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices (15 oz): Adds smoky sweetness and moisture.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Creates the cooking liquid and infuses savory depth.
- Cream cheese (2 oz): Melted for that irresistible, creamy finish.
- Green onions, sliced (3): For fresh, colorful garnish and crisp texture contrast.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken
Start by mixing smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a bowl to create your fresh Cajun seasoning. This blend is crucial—it’s what instantly transports your dish into bold, Southern territory. Next, cut your chicken breast into bite-size cubes and toss them thoroughly in the seasoning mix until every piece is beautifully coated. This ensures every forkful bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large deep skillet on medium-high heat until the butter foams. Then add your seasoned chicken cubes, cooking them just enough to get a light golden crust on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking through here—the goal is to lock in moisture and develop that gorgeous sear which adds both taste and texture to your final pasta.
Step 3: Add Onions
Into the same skillet, toss in your diced yellow onions. Sauté them for roughly two minutes until softened and fragrant. This also helps loosen any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan from the chicken, mixing those flavors right back into the dish for extra depth.
Step 4: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients. Cover your skillet with a lid and crank the heat until the broth comes to a rolling boil—this step is essential for cooking the pasta perfectly in the flavorful liquid.
Step 5: Simmer the Pasta
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the pasta to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. As the pasta softens, the sauce thickens into a rich, creamy consistency that clings to every penne piece. It’s captivating to watch this transformation happen right before your eyes!
Step 6: Add Cream Cheese
Cube the cream cheese and drop it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce. This step is what makes this pasta truly creamy and indulgent, balancing the smoky spices with luscious smoothness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Lastly, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. These fresh garnishes add a lovely pop of color and a crisp, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness perfectly. Serve your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe hot to enjoy every comforting, flavorful mouthful at its best.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions are a classic choice, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of shredded sharp cheddar can add extra flavor and visual appeal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so hearty and filling on its own, consider pairing it with something light and fresh. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a dash of lemon offers the perfect contrast. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic side, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy Cajun sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next dinner gathering, serve the pasta family-style straight from the skillet at the table. Alternatively, portion it into individual shallow bowls and top each with a little extra fresh green onion or a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-style feel. No matter how you present it, this dish is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This creamy pasta freezes well for up to one month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini—just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this dish very spicy?
The recipe has a gentle kick from cayenne and smoked paprika, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more juiciness and richness, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta separately?
Nope! This is a true one-pot recipe—just add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet with the broth and tomatoes, allowing it to cook in the sauce as it simmers.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust seasoning accordingly for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
There is a wonderful kind of joy that comes from making a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, without a complicated process. This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s creamy, bold, and incredibly satisfying. Grab your skillet and try it out—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite and eager to make it again and again.
Print
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cubes of chicken breast are seared with a homemade Cajun seasoning blend, then simmered with penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to create a rich, creamy sauce enhanced by cream cheese. Finished with a garnish of fresh green onions, this hearty dish combines spicy, smoky, and savory flavors all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
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
Main Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 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, cut into chunks
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to make the Cajun seasoning. Toss the cubed chicken breast with the seasoning until fully coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken cubes. Cook for a couple of minutes on each side just until the outside begins to brown; the chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add Onions: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and loosens any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Combine all ingredients evenly and cover the skillet with a lid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese chunks to the skillet and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For spicier pasta, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available for more vibrant flavor.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
