Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken cooked with penne pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This one-pan recipe combines smoky spices, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and cream cheese for a deliciously smooth and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning: Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl to make the Cajun seasoning mix.
- Season the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it, and toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for a couple minutes on each side until the exterior develops color but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion softens. Use the moisture from the onion to deglaze the pan and dissolve any browned bits on the bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Mix everything evenly, then 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 uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes for about 10 minutes, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese in small chunks to the skillet and stir until completely melted and blended into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Notes
- The deep skillet used has a 4-quart capacity, ideal for this recipe.
- Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer during cooking.
- Stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the skillet.
