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
Units
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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.
