There’s nothing quite like this one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen pro—even if you’re new to cooking. With bold spices, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce that hugs every bite, it’s comfort food with a kick. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner or cooking for friends, this dish brings serious flavor with very little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying and stress-free meal:

Big Cajun Flavor: Smoky, herby, and a little spicy—just the right kick.
One Pan Wonder: Cook it all in one pot—fewer dishes, more ease.
Creamy Comfort: That luscious sauce? It’s thanks to cream cheese and broth magic.
Beginner-Friendly: No special skills or gadgets—just simple steps and pantry staples.

If you love pasta that packs a punch, this one’s a keeper.

A Little History Behind Cajun Chicken Pasta

The magic of one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta comes from blending Southern American heartiness with rustic French roots. Here are a few tasty facts:

Cajun cuisine is born from the Acadian French settlers of Louisiana.
Cajun seasoning is a bold blend of paprika, herbs, garlic, and heat—built for flavor, not just spice.
One-pot pasta meals became popular as a quick, efficient way to get dinner on the table fast.
This pasta is a modern twist on Cajun classics, combining spice with creaminess for the perfect fusion meal.

Key Ingredients For One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast – Cubed and seared for juicy bites of protein in every forkful.
Homemade Cajun seasoning – A smoky, spicy blend of paprika, cayenne, herbs, and garlic.
Pasta – Penne is perfect for soaking up all the creamy, spicy sauce.
Fire-roasted tomatoes – Adds smokiness and acidity to balance the richness.
Cream cheese – Melts into the sauce for that signature silky finish.
Chicken broth – Creates the base of the sauce and cooks the pasta right in the pot.
Green onions – For a fresh, zesty garnish.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Simple Steps for Maximum Flavor

Mix the Cajun spices: Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
Season the chicken: Cube your chicken and coat it in the seasoning mix until fully covered.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on the outside (no need to fully cook yet).
Add onion: Toss in diced onion and sauté for a couple minutes. Let the moisture deglaze the skillet—this builds flavor.
Simmer the pasta: Add pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil.
Let it cook: Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Creamy finish: Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until melted into a silky sauce.
Serve it up: Top with sliced green onions and dig in!

Tips and Twists

Pro Tips:

Use a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking.
Stir pasta frequently to avoid sticking.
Add the cream cheese off-heat to avoid curdling.
If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of broth.
Freshly grated cheese will melt better than pre-shredded.

Tasty Variations:

Swap chicken with shrimp for Cajun seafood vibes.
Stir in spinach or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
Use gluten-free pasta for a dietary-friendly version.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

One pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta holds up well after cooking.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead: Season and prep your chicken and spices ahead of time. Cook everything fresh for the best creamy texture.

What to Serve with One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Pair this spicy, creamy pasta with something fresh or crunchy to balance the heat:

Garlic Bread or Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
Grilled Vegetables – Light and smoky to complement the bold flavors.
Green Salad with Lemon Dressing – Adds brightness and freshness.
Sweet Iced Tea – Southern-style refreshment to cool the spice.
Roasted Broccoli or Carrots – A nutritious and colorful side.

FAQ

Can I make this less spicy?
Yes—just cut back the cayenne pepper in the Cajun mix.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely, though homemade gives you full control of spice levels.

Will any pasta shape work?
Stick to short pasta like penne or rotini—they cook evenly and hold sauce well.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Not ideal—the sauce may separate, but it’s safe to freeze and reheat with added cream.

Is cream cheese necessary?
It creates the creamy texture, but you can sub with heavy cream for a lighter version.

Enjoy Your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a no-fail dinner you’ll want in your weekly lineup. With just one pan and a handful of spices, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish at home—without the mess. Whether you’re new to Cajun flavors or already a fan, this pasta makes it easy to enjoy bold flavor and creamy comfort in every bite. Try it tonight, and make dinner something you look forward to.

Explore More Recipes Like This One

Love bold, creamy, and comforting meals? You’ll want to check out these from Abby’s Recipes:

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – Hearty and slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.
Grilled Chicken Wraps – A fresh and easy lunch idea using leftover Cajun chicken.
Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon and Cheese – Cool and crunchy—pairs beautifully with spicy Cajun pasta.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna – Another creamy chicken favorite, perfect for make-ahead meals.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – Easy, colorful veggies to round out your pasta night.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings bold flavor and creamy comfort to your table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy dish uses pantry staples and minimal cleanup—ideal for beginner home cooks craving Southern-style comfort with a spicy twist.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Cajun

Keyword 30 minute dinners, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken pasta, one pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta, spicy Cajun pasta

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

For Cajun Seasoning:

2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt

For Pasta:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
1 yellow onion, diced
½ lb penne pasta uncooked
15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups chicken broth
2 oz cream cheese
3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients.
Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and coat with Cajun seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned but not fully cooked.
Add diced onion and sauté 2 minutes to soften and deglaze the pan.
Add pasta, tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add cream cheese in chunks. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

To keep the sauce silky, add the cream cheese off heat and stir slowly. Want a seafood twist? Swap chicken for shrimp to make a creamy Cajun shrimp pasta.