One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Tender chunks of chicken coated in bold Cajun spices, tossed with pasta in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. The best part? You’ll only have one pot to wash when you’re done enjoying this flavor-packed meal that perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, from searing the chicken to simmering the pasta, meaning less cleanup and more flavor as everything melds together.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The homemade Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat, while the cream cheese smooths everything out for a dish that’s bold without being overwhelming.
• Quick & Straightforward: Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Easy to adjust the spice level or add vegetables to make it your own, and it’s substantial enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Spices for Cajun Seasoning: Smoked paprika brings a deep, rich color and flavor that’s essential for authentic Cajun taste. Oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder create the aromatic base. Cayenne pepper adds heat—adjust according to your spice tolerance!
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives you lean protein that takes on the Cajun flavors beautifully. Cut into even cubes for quick, consistent cooking.
• Pasta: Penne holds up well in one-pot dishes and catches the creamy sauce in its ridges and hollow centers. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These add smoky depth and natural sweetness that regular diced tomatoes just can’t match. The juice becomes part of the sauce, so don’t drain!
• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of your sauce and cooks the pasta. Using broth instead of water adds another layer of flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that transforms the spicy tomato sauce into something creamy and luxurious without requiring heavy cream.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, creating a flavor foundation for the dish.
• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color as a garnish.
• Olive Oil & Butter: The combination gives you the best of both worlds—butter for flavor and olive oil for its higher smoke point when searing the chicken.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the chicken for shrimp for a Cajun pasta that cooks even faster. Just add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. Andouille sausage makes for an exceptionally authentic Cajun flavor—slice and brown it before adding the onions.

Veggie Additions

Bell peppers (especially red and green) are classic Cajun trinity components and add color and nutrition. Slice them and add with the onions. For a veggie boost, stir in a handful of baby spinach just before adding the cream cheese—it’ll wilt perfectly into the hot pasta.

Dairy Alternatives

No cream cheese? Try 1/3 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half added during the last few minutes of cooking. For a lighter option, use neufchâtel cheese which has 1/3 less fat than regular cream cheese.

Pasta Variations

Any medium pasta shape works well—try rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta but watch the cooking time as it may differ from regular pasta.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Mix all the Cajun spice ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Cut chicken into even cubes (about 1/2 to 3/4-inch), place in a bowl, and toss with the Cajun seasoning until every piece is well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. The goal here is to develop flavor, not cook the chicken completely.

Step 3: Add Onions

Toss in the diced yellow onion and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly softened. The moisture from the onions will help release any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these are pure gold for flavor!

Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquids

Add the uncooked penne, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juice, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together just until combined, making sure all pasta is submerged in liquid.

Step 5: Simmer

Cover the skillet and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid while cooking, creating a thick, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Cream Cheese

When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Taking time to get good color on the chicken adds tremendous flavor to the final dish.
• Keep Stirring: Especially toward the end of cooking, stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom and helps create a smooth, unified sauce.
• Watch the Heat Level: If the liquid is boiling too vigorously, lower the heat. You want a gentle simmer to cook the pasta evenly without reducing the liquid too quickly.
• Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after adding the cream cheese—the sauce will continue to thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Control the Spice: Taste before adding all the cayenne if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

How to Serve

Main Event

This one-pot wonder doesn’t need much accompaniment, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect contrast to the rich, spicy pasta.

Bread Options

A slice of garlic bread or warm crusty baguette is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For a Southern touch, try serving with warm cornbread.

Drink Pairings

A cold beer works wonderfully with Cajun flavors—try an amber ale or lager. For wine lovers, an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer helps balance the spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld further with the sauce.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy while keeping the Cajun flavor?
Absolutely! The heat primarily comes from the cayenne pepper, so reduce it to a pinch or omit it entirely. The smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano will still give you that classic Cajun flavor profile without the burn.

My sauce seems too watery—what did I do wrong?
Pasta brands can vary in how much liquid they absorb. If your sauce seems too thin, uncover the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, let the dish stand for 5 minutes after cooking—it will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.

Can I use pre-made Cajun seasoning instead of mixing my own?
Yes! If you have a favorite Cajun seasoning blend, use about 2 tablespoons to coat the chicken. Making your own allows you to control the salt and heat levels, but store-bought works fine in a pinch.

Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and actually develops more flavor after a day in the refrigerator. Portion it into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to add a splash of liquid when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta brings Louisiana-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. The combination of spicy, creamy, and savory elements creates a truly comforting meal that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a Tuesday night. Give yourself permission to put this in your regular rotation—your taste buds (and your sink with just one pot to wash) will thank you!

Print