I absolutely love this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and comforting—all made in just one pot! When I first tried this, I was amazed at how quickly I could get a hearty, restaurant-quality meal on the table without sacrificing flavor or making a big mess.
You’ll find that it’s an ideal weeknight meal, especially when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and full of bold Cajun flavors. Plus, using just one pot means less cleanup, which always wins in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, saving you time and cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: The Cajun seasoning brings a spicy kick that beautifully complements creamy pasta.
- Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easy to swap veggies or adjust spice levels to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to create a creamy, flavorful pasta with tender chicken and fresh veggies. I recommend using quality penne and fresh parsley to really make this dish pop.
- Olive oil: Go for extra virgin if you can; it adds a nice depth when sautéing your chicken and veggies.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them into 1-inch pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Cajun seasoning: Homemade or store-bought both work; I like to make my own for control over heat and smokiness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color contrast.
- Yellow bell pepper: Balances the red pepper with a subtle tang and brightness.
- Red onion: Thin slices soften quickly and add a mild bite.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic punch.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you control saltiness better in the final dish.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky undertones that elevate the Cajun flavors.
- Heavy cream: Divided into two portions to ensure the pasta sauce is creamy without being heavy.
- Penne pasta: Barilla brand is my go-to for consistent texture and cooking time.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it’s the secret to thickening the sauce perfectly without any floury taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded gives the best melt and depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbaceous touch right before serving.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, balancing all the bold flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this recipe is. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust the spice level to make it your own, which is great if you want to keep it mild for the kids or punch it up for spice lovers.
- Protein Swap: I’ve tried this with shrimp instead of chicken and it’s just as delicious—shrimp cooks even faster, so keep an eye on it!
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in zucchini or mushrooms when I want a bit more veggies, which pairs nicely with Cajun spices.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a tasty dairy-free option.
- Mild Spice: Use half the Cajun seasoning or substitute with smoked paprika for a gentler kick.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken with a Kick
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—this helps the meat soak up flavor without being overpowering. Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer, and let it brown nicely for about 3 minutes without moving it too much. Then flip and cook another 3 minutes until it’s cooked through. Transfer to foil and wrap it to keep warm—this step keeps your chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Veggies
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes to soften and release their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and the last tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, cooking just another minute until fragrant. This quick veggie sauté is where the base flavor really shines.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and half of the heavy cream. Bring the pot to a boil, then add your penne pasta. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is nearly tender—this usually takes 12 to 13 minutes. The liquid will help the pasta absorb all those spicy, tomatoey flavors.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish
Mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot, cooking just another minute until the sauce thickens and the pasta finishes cooking. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining heavy cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and your cooked chicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve! The final toss locks everything together in a creamy, spicy, and cheesy hug.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Rush Browning: Taking time to brown your chicken nicely seals in juices and adds depth to the dish.
- Stir Often During Pasta Cooking: This prevents the noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking in the one-pot setup.
- Control Your Spice Level: Start with less Cajun seasoning and adjust to taste, especially if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive guests.
- Use Quality Pasta: I always recommend Barilla penne—it holds up well and maintains texture without getting mushy.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little cracked black pepper for color and a fresh bite. Sometimes, a few more shavings of parmesan right at the table add a nice salty finish that everyone appreciates.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and balance out the creamy richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls soak up any leftover sauce and make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley perched on top. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a tiny bit of smoked paprika powder at the end gives it a beautiful, professional look that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pasta successfully, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing to avoid it becoming mushy when reheated. Freeze in portioned containers for easy thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive creaminess. Microwaving works too if you cover it and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten-free. Cooking time might vary slightly depending on your pasta choice.
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How spicy is this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning used. It tends to be moderately spicy, but if you prefer milder dishes, just use less seasoning or add more cream to tone it down.
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Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, you can add pre-cooked chicken during the final step when stirring everything together. Just make sure to warm it thoroughly so it blends well without overcooking the pasta.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the pot is key. This mix thickens the sauce gently without making it gummy if you stir it well and don’t cook it too long after adding.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true gem in my recipe collection. It’s quick, easy, and consistently hits all the right flavor notes whenever I make it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give it a try—you’ll love how much personality and comfort this dish brings to your table with minimal fuss.
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 and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and penne pasta cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce enriched with fire-roasted tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Prepared all in one pot, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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)
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
- 3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Other
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer, cooking until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook through for another 3 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a sheet of foil, wrap it to keep warm, and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute to develop the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the penne pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Thicken Sauce: Cook the pasta, stirring frequently, until it is nearly tender, about 12 to 13 minutes. Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pot, stirring continuously until the pasta is fully tender and the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute longer.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Barilla penne pasta or similar for best consistency and texture.
- Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to stir frequently while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop or microwave.
