Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes with tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Cajun Seasoning: 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Pasta: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes, 1 small yellow onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 8 ounces penne pasta, 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups chicken broth, 4 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Mix together the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the outside.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the penne pasta, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Stir in the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve warm.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, let the pasta rest for 2 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun