If you’re hunting for a comforting dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors yet fuss-free, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you’ll want in your rotation. I absolutely love how creamy and spicy this dish turns out, and the best part is it all comes together in one pot—less mess, more magic in your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this recipe hits the spot every time.
When I first tried this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, I was amazed at how the Cajun seasoning layers perfectly with the creamy sauce for a satisfying dish that doesn’t take hours. Plus, using just one skillet means cleanup is a breeze, which I know you’ll appreciate just as much as I do after a long day. Trust me, your family will go crazy for this – it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Bold Cajun Flavors: A zesty mix of spices that wake up your taste buds in the healthiest way.
- Creamy, Comforting Texture: The cream cheese melts perfectly for a sauce that’s smooth and rich.
- Family-Friendly: Easy to make, delicious, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients — each one working beautifully to balance smoky spices, creamy richness, and tender pasta. Let me walk you through the must-haves and some tips for picking the best ones.
- Cajun Seasoning: Combining smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic and onion powders, cayenne, black pepper, and salt creates that signature Cajun kick.
- Chicken Breast: Choose boneless, skinless breasts cut into bite-size pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
- Olive Oil & Butter: Both add flavor and help in searing the chicken quickly without drying it out.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce.
- Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite delightful.
- Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Bring a smoky, rich acidity that complements the Cajun spices wonderfully.
- Chicken Broth: The cooking liquid that helps the pasta fluff up while infusing extra flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that ultra creamy sauce that clings so well to every piece.
- Green Onions: A fresh, mild finish that brightens the whole dish right before serving.
Variations
I love how flexible this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is—once you’ve nailed the basics, feel free to make it your own. I often swap in veggies or switch up the protein depending on what’s in my fridge. You might find your perfect twist too!
- Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in bell peppers or spinach for some extra color and nutrients that complement the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp Instead of Chicken: For a seafood twist, shrimp works wonderfully, cooking faster but soaking up the seasoning just as well.
- Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut cream instead of cream cheese can create a luscious dairy-free sauce without losing the creamy texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment: I’ve adjusted cayenne pepper up or down based on the family’s heat tolerance—start small and add more if you like it fiery!
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
Start by combining your Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl—this DIY blend is so satisfying and fresh, no need for packaged mixes. Cube your chicken into roughly ½ to ¾-inch pieces and toss them in the seasoning until they’re generously coated. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling and foamy. Add the chicken and let it sear for a couple minutes on each side, just until the outsides get a nice color. Don’t worry about cooking it completely yet; you want that caramelized crust for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
After chicken gets that golden sear, toss in your diced yellow onion and cook for about two minutes until the onion softens slightly. This step helps release sweet, savory moisture that will lift all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of your pan—trust me, this is where a lot of the flavor hides!
Step 3: Add Pasta, Tomatoes & Broth
Now, stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth. Mix everything just until combined, then cover with a lid and bring it all to a boil. This step might take a little patience, but it’s where your pasta starts soaking up all those spices and flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar—stirring every couple of minutes helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures it cooks evenly. In about ten minutes, your pasta should be tender, and the liquid will have thickened into a rich sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese & Garnish
Toss in the cream cheese in chunks and stir until melted and fully blended into the sauce. This is when the dish becomes irresistibly creamy. Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a touch of freshness and a little pop of color. Serve hot and watch your friends dive right in!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Use Fresh Spices: I always grind fresh paprika and herbs when possible—it brightens the Cajun seasoning like nothing else.
- Sear, Don’t Crowd: Avoid overcrowding your skillet when searing chicken to get a better crust and prevent steaming.
- Stir Often: Frequent stirring during simmering stops pasta from sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly.
- Adjust Simmer Heat: Learn your stovetop—too high a flame will dry out liquid, too low and pasta won’t cook; adjust accordingly.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with sliced green onions because they add that fresh, mild onion punch that contrasts the creamy sauce perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon on the side for a subtle zing—simple touches that really elevate the plate.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta works splendidly alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm crusty roll also pairs wonderfully, soaking up any leftover sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra green onions and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added richness. You could also spoon portions into small ramekins and broil with shredded cheese for a bubbly finish—turns a weeknight meal into a fancy dinner party dish effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, but I recommend adding a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen up the sauce a bit.
Freezing
While I usually enjoy this pasta fresh, freezing works if you’re in a pinch. Just cool it completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water to revive that creamy sauce without it separating. The microwave works too, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to keep it smooth and evenly warmed.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is excellent for holding sauce, other medium shapes like rotini, penne rigate, or shells will work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as thinner pasta like spaghetti might require less time and a bit more careful stirring to avoid clumping.
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Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of cream cheese or reducing the butter and oil slightly. Adding extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini boosts nutrition and fiber, making it a more balanced meal without sacrificing deliciousness.
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What if I don’t have fire roasted diced tomatoes?
No worries! Regular diced tomatoes work just fine; the fire roasted kind adds a subtle smokiness but you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to compensate if you want that extra depth. Either option will still make a flavorful sauce.
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Can I prepare the Cajun seasoning mix ahead of time?
Definitely! Mixing your Cajun seasoning in advance saves time and keeps it fresh for up to a month in an airtight container. I usually make a big batch and store it to have on hand for quick weeknight meals like this one.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate—it’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds. I love how easy it is to whip up on any night, and the clean-up is minimal, which is a lifesaver in my busy kitchen. Give it a try and you’ll soon see why it’s become one of my go-to meals; I promise it’ll make your dinner routine a little more exciting and a lot tastier!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce made with cream cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes. Cooked all in one deep skillet, this recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors and is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
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
Chicken Pasta
- 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
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun seasoning. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and toss with the seasoning until well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for a couple of minutes on each side until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Use the moisture released by the onion to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Mix everything evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Add Cream Cheese and Garnish: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- The deep skillet used should ideally have a 4-quart capacity to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer on the broth and prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.
- Stir the pasta frequently during simmering to avoid it sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- The dish can be customized by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Using fire roasted tomatoes adds extra flavor and depth to the sauce.
