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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Easy Weeknight Meal

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For this easy weeknight meal, you'll need: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work perfectly together to create a creamy, spicy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the penne pasta brings a satisfying bite. Seasonings make this dish shine. The Cajun seasoning gives it that signature kick. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Garnishing makes your meal look great. I suggest using fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can also add more cheddar cheese on top for extra creaminess. Serve it hot in bowls, and it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! First, gather your ingredients. You need diced chicken breast and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Keeping the chicken warm helps keep it juicy. In the same pot, add chopped onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it turns soft and clear. This step adds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells nice. The bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Now, it’s time to combine the flavors. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and add chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want it to be cooked al dente. After the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Now, add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. This is the magic moment! If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out to your liking. Finally, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh touch, chop some parsley and sprinkle it on top. Serve this dish hot in bowls. You can add more cheese and parsley for a beautiful finish. This meal pairs well with a side salad or warm garlic bread. Enjoy your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! To cook the chicken just right, start with small, even pieces. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Stir it well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside. This step locks in flavor for the whole dish. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. After adding the heavy cream and cheese, check the texture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in and see if that helps. You want a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. If it seems thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken naturally. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, add brightness too. If you want a bit more heat, a dash of hot sauce works well. For a twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Each choice will give your dish a new kick. Enjoy being creative while cooking! {{image_2}} You can make a veggie version of this dish. Start with the same base but swap out the chicken. Use 1 cup of your favorite veggies instead. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. Sauté the veggies until they are tender. Then, follow the same steps for cooking the pasta and sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick to your veggie pasta. If you want a different protein, shrimp or sausage are great choices. For shrimp, use about 1 pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. If you prefer sausage, use 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced. Add it to the pot after the onions. Both options give a tasty twist to this dish. You can control the heat in your pasta. For a milder dish, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to cool things down. If you like it spicy, add extra seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapeños. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! After enjoying your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Then, scoop the leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat again, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently over low heat until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the tips above. Remember, the creaminess may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne works great here, but you can try rotini or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. Adjust the other seasonings to suit your taste. This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and sauce takes another 15 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal for busy nights. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. In this blog post, we covered how to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We went through the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is easy to customize with different proteins or veggies. Enjoy creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for any meal. With these steps, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious dinner.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick dinner idea that packs flavor? My One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is here to save your weeknight meals! This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich sauce—all made in just one pot. You’ll enjoy a creamy, spicy delight that the whole family will love, with minimal cleanup. Join me as we dive into this easy recipe that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

For this easy weeknight meal, you’ll need:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
  • 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients work perfectly together to create a creamy, spicy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the penne pasta brings a satisfying bite.

Important Seasonings and Condiments

Seasonings make this dish shine. The Cajun seasoning gives it that signature kick. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness.

Recommended Garnishes

Garnishing makes your meal look great. I suggest using fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can also add more cheddar cheese on top for extra creaminess. Serve it hot in bowls, and it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

First, gather your ingredients. You need diced chicken breast and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Keeping the chicken warm helps keep it juicy.

Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pot, add chopped onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it turns soft and clear. This step adds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells nice. The bell pepper adds color and sweetness.

Combining Ingredients and Cooking the Pasta

Now, it’s time to combine the flavors. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and add chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want it to be cooked al dente.

Making the Creamy Sauce

After the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Now, add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. This is the magic moment! If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out to your liking.

Final Touches

Finally, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh touch, chop some parsley and sprinkle it on top. Serve this dish hot in bowls. You can add more cheese and parsley for a beautiful finish. This meal pairs well with a side salad or warm garlic bread. Enjoy your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfectly Cook the Chicken

To cook the chicken just right, start with small, even pieces. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Stir it well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside. This step locks in flavor for the whole dish.

Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency

The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. After adding the heavy cream and cheese, check the texture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in and see if that helps. You want a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. If it seems thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken naturally.

Flavor Enhancements and Substitutions

You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, add brightness too. If you want a bit more heat, a dash of hot sauce works well. For a twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Each choice will give your dish a new kick. Enjoy being creative while cooking!

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Cajun Veggie Pasta

You can make a veggie version of this dish. Start with the same base but swap out the chicken. Use 1 cup of your favorite veggies instead. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. Sauté the veggies until they are tender. Then, follow the same steps for cooking the pasta and sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick to your veggie pasta.

Protein Alternatives: Shrimp or Sausage

If you want a different protein, shrimp or sausage are great choices. For shrimp, use about 1 pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. If you prefer sausage, use 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced. Add it to the pot after the onions. Both options give a tasty twist to this dish.

Heat Level Adjustments

You can control the heat in your pasta. For a milder dish, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to cool things down. If you like it spicy, add extra seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapeños. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Then, scoop the leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to eat again, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently over low heat until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the tips above. Remember, the creaminess may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne works great here, but you can try rotini or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. Adjust the other seasonings to suit your taste.

How long does it take to cook the dish?

This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and sauce takes another 15 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal for busy nights.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

In this blog post, we covered how to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We went through the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is easy to customize with different proteins or veggies. Enjoy creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for any meal. With these steps, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious dinner.

For this easy weeknight meal, you'll need: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work perfectly together to create a creamy, spicy dish. The chicken adds protein, while the penne pasta brings a satisfying bite. Seasonings make this dish shine. The Cajun seasoning gives it that signature kick. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Garnishing makes your meal look great. I suggest using fresh parsley for color and flavor. You can also add more cheddar cheese on top for extra creaminess. Serve it hot in bowls, and it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! First, gather your ingredients. You need diced chicken breast and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Keeping the chicken warm helps keep it juicy. In the same pot, add chopped onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it turns soft and clear. This step adds great flavor. Next, stir in minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic smells nice. The bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Now, it’s time to combine the flavors. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, undrained, and add chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want it to be cooked al dente. After the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Now, add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. This is the magic moment! If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out to your liking. Finally, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh touch, chop some parsley and sprinkle it on top. Serve this dish hot in bowls. You can add more cheese and parsley for a beautiful finish. This meal pairs well with a side salad or warm garlic bread. Enjoy your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! To cook the chicken just right, start with small, even pieces. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook evenly. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sprinkle Cajun seasoning on top. Stir it well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside. This step locks in flavor for the whole dish. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. After adding the heavy cream and cheese, check the texture. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it in and see if that helps. You want a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. If it seems thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. This helps the sauce thicken naturally. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, add brightness too. If you want a bit more heat, a dash of hot sauce works well. For a twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Each choice will give your dish a new kick. Enjoy being creative while cooking! {{image_2}} You can make a veggie version of this dish. Start with the same base but swap out the chicken. Use 1 cup of your favorite veggies instead. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. Sauté the veggies until they are tender. Then, follow the same steps for cooking the pasta and sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick to your veggie pasta. If you want a different protein, shrimp or sausage are great choices. For shrimp, use about 1 pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. If you prefer sausage, use 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced. Add it to the pot after the onions. Both options give a tasty twist to this dish. You can control the heat in your pasta. For a milder dish, cut back on the Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to cool things down. If you like it spicy, add extra seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapeños. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick! After enjoying your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Then, scoop the leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat again, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently over low heat until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the tips above. Remember, the creaminess may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne works great here, but you can try rotini or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly. Adjust the other seasonings to suit your taste. This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the pasta and sauce takes another 15 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal for busy nights. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. In this blog post, we covered how to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. We went through the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, this dish is easy to customize with different proteins or veggies. Enjoy creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for any meal. With these steps, you can impress your family and friends with a delicious dinner.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's bursting with flavor and super easy to make! Enjoy tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and creamy cheese all cooked together for a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to impress! Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Cajun goodness at home with your family.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

      Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

        Add the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.

            Once the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

              Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 30 min | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve hot in bowls, topped with additional cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant finish. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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