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.
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.