Description
A simple recipe for creamy Cajun chicken pasta cooked entirely in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with a small amount of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, remaining Cajun seasoning, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Do not boil after adding the cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level of your dish.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 140
Keywords: one pot, creamy, Cajun, chicken pasta, easy dinner, quick meal