If you’re anything like me, you want dinner to be both delicious and hassle-free. This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that—packed with bold, smoky Cajun flavors and creamy goodness in every bite, but without the mountain of dishes to wash up afterward. I love how this dish feels special enough for a weeknight when you’re craving something hearty, yet it’s simple enough to whip up last minute after a busy day.
When I first tried this recipe, the magic of cooking everything in one pot totally won me over. You get that perfect blend of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and rich sauce coating al dente pasta, all mingling together beautifully. You’ll find that the key to its charm is how the Cajun seasoning permeates the dish, balanced by cream and Parmesan for a satisfying finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: You’ll only need one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Flavor-Packed Comfort: The Cajun spices combined with creamy sauce make every bite rich and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish – it’s mild with a bit of a kick, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create a creamy, spicy pasta dish. When shopping, I find fresh bell peppers and good quality chicken make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a nice fruity undertone that complements the Cajun spices.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting into bite-size pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Cajun seasoning: A homemade blend or store-bought works fine; just make sure it has the right balance of spices.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Their sweetness balances the bold Cajun flavors.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for quick sautéing and a touch of sharpness.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds plenty of flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Gives a subtle smoky complexity.
- Heavy cream: Creates that rich, luscious sauce that coats every pasta strand.
- Penne pasta: I recommend Barilla for consistent cooking and shape that holds sauce well.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it’s not too runny.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of salty nuttiness that pulls the dish together.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, always best fresh for seasoning control.
Variations
I like to tweak this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or how spicy we’re feeling. Feel free to get creative with the protein or veggies—you’ll find it really flexible.
- Spice Level: I sometimes add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne if we want more heat—it really wakes up the dish.
- Protein Swap: Shrimp works amazingly here if you want a seafood twist, just add it toward the end so it doesn’t overcook.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use smoked sausage or extra mushrooms for that smoky flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor if you want a dairy-free option.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Just Right
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken pieces with half a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, then add them in a single layer—no crowding! Cook about 3 minutes without moving to get a nice sear, then flip and cook another 3 minutes until cooked through. I wrap mine in foil and keep warm on the side to lock in juices while I finish the sauce. This step gives the chicken that savory crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Build Flavor
In the same pot, add the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers plus the red onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until just softened. Next, stir in the minced garlic and the last tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute so those flavors really come alive. This step fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma—trust me, you’ll want to dive in right here!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Cook Pasta
Now pour in the chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and half a cup of heavy cream. Bring it all to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Stir frequently so nothing sticks—about 12 to 13 minutes until the pasta’s almost tender. Then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for a minute more as the sauce thickens beautifully around the pasta. Patience here means silky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Parsley, and Chicken
Off the heat, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and the cooked chicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. I find this final toss brings it all together with creamy texture and fresh brightness. Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in—this pasta never lasts long around here!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: Browning in a single layer gives better sear and flavor; it’s worth the few extra minutes.
- Fresh Veggies Matter: Using fresh peppers and onions delivers sweetness that balances the Cajun spices perfectly.
- Keep Stirring the Pasta: This prevents sticking and results in evenly cooked pasta with thick, luscious sauce.
- Add Cheese Off the Heat: Stirring Parmesan in after cooking prevents it from clumping or becoming grainy.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so I always sprinkle a handful of minced parsley on top before serving—it adds a fresh, bright pop that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a little extra Parmesan or a dash of hot sauce if we want more kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the flavors, especially if your peppers are on the milder side that day.
Side Dishes
For sides, a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is great for sopping up any leftover sauce. If you want to keep it light, steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans work well too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, I like to serve this pasta straight from the pot at the table—it feels cozy and inviting. For gatherings, plating it in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs and maybe a drizzle of olive oil makes it look extra special. I once even served it with a crisp white wine and a side of grilled corn for a Cajun-themed dinner party that everyone raved about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they last up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s sometimes even better the next day. Reheat gently so the sauce stays creamy and the chicken stays tender.
Freezing
While the pasta can be frozen in portions, I’ve found the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta to keep the pasta from getting mushy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works fine too but stir halfway through to heat evenly and keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend penne because it holds the sauce well, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time as needed since different shapes have slightly different cooking times.
-
Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It depends on the blend you use, but generally the Cajun seasoning has a moderate heat level balanced by herbs and spices. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the amount or look for a mild Cajun mix. You can always add extra heat with cayenne or hot sauce later if you want.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times as gluten-free pasta can vary. Also, check your Cajun seasoning and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free.
-
Do I have to use heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just keep in mind the sauce might be less rich and creamy but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe really is a go-to for busy nights when you crave comfort food that feels a little gourmet without the fuss. I love how it brings bold Cajun flavor, creamy sauce, and tender chicken together in one satisfying pot. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner just like mine did!
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all cooked together in a single pot. It’s an easy and satisfying comfort meal with a spicy kick balanced by creamy parmesan and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 2-inch strips
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into 2-inch strips
- 1 small (5 – 6 oz) red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
Other Ingredients
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
- 12 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 Tbsp water
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning and add them to the pot in a single layer. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until fully cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken onto foil and wrap to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat the remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers and thinly sliced red onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and remaining 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir frequently as the pasta cooks for 12 to 13 minutes until it is nearly tender.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture to the pot. Continue cooking for about 1 minute until the pasta is just tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm for a delicious, creamy Cajun-flavored meal.
Notes
- For best consistency, use Barilla brand penne pasta or similar quality brands.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Make sure to stir frequently once pasta is added to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely with a little extra cream or broth.
