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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

one-pot cajun chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mixed color bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: dice chicken into 1-inch pieces, chop onion and bell peppers, mince garlic (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Add to hot oil in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if needed.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add onions and bell peppers, cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in uncooked pasta and browned chicken. Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add more broth if too dry.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Cook 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to ensure a good sear. Stir gently and often while simmering pasta to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning at the end to taste. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly. Leftovers thicken; add broth or cream when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, spicy comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-spicy-comfort-meal/