Go Back
To make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, you will need these key items: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste) - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 bell pepper (your choice of red or green), chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juice - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients blend together to create a rich and flavorful dish. The chicken adds protein, while the pasta serves as the hearty base. The Cajun seasoning brings bold flavors, and the vegetables add freshness. For extra flavor, consider adding: - A pinch of smoked paprika for depth - A dash of cayenne pepper for heat Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Try using: - Fresh parsley for a pop of color - Chopped green onions for a mild onion flavor Cheese options can also vary: - Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick - Try cream cheese for extra creaminess These suggestions help you customize your dish to suit your taste. Don't hesitate to get creative! For the full recipe, be sure to check the detailed instructions. Cooking the chicken First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning all over the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Sautéing vegetables In the same pot, add 1 small diced onion and 1 chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an extra minute. The garlic should smell great and become fragrant. Adding liquids and pasta Now, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well and bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Mixing in cream and cheese After the pasta is cooked, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the cooked chicken, and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Stir it all together until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Achieving al dente pasta To get the perfect al dente texture, check the pasta a minute or two before the end of cooking time. It should be firm yet tender. Checking for seasoning balance Once you mix in the cream and cheese, taste your dish. Add salt and pepper to make it just right. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to get your desired consistency. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. - Pre-chopping ingredients: Chop your onion, bell pepper, and garlic ahead of time. This step saves you minutes during cooking. - One-pot cooking benefits: Using one pot means fewer dishes to clean. Plus, flavors meld together nicely, making every bite delicious. - Adjusting spice levels: If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning. For a milder dish, use less. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Adding protein alternatives: If you want variety, try shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. Both options bring great flavor to the dish. - Serving suggestions for a beautiful dish: Serve directly from the pot for a cozy feel. For a fancy touch, plate individual servings and top with extra cheese and parsley. - Plating for guests versus family: For guests, use nice bowls and garnish well. For family, keep it simple and fun, making it easy for everyone to serve themselves. You can find the Full Recipe to explore every detail of creating this one-pot wonder! {{image_4}} One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is fun to customize. You can make it your own in many ways. Adding more vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition. You can toss in zucchini or mushrooms. They add great texture. If you want a vegetarian dish, skip the chicken. Use extra veggies and a plant-based cream. This keeps the meal hearty and satisfying. Want a different protein? Shrimp or sausage work well. Shrimp adds a nice seafood twist. Sausage brings a smoky flavor. If you prefer vegan options, try plant-based chicken. These substitutes keep the meal fun and tasty. You can change the sauce to fit your taste. Want it creamier? Add more heavy cream. For a cheesy twist, mix in different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella. You can also swap the heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Try using a low-fat milk or a dairy-free option. Each change makes the dish unique! For the full recipe, check the details above and enjoy your cooking adventure! Store your leftover One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can use glass containers or plastic ones with tight seals. Make sure to let it cool down first before sealing it. For freezing, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easy stacking. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often and add a splash of chicken broth if it looks too dry. In the fridge, your Cajun chicken pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about 2 to 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. If it smells funny or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, you can serve a tasty meal in just 45 minutes. This recipe is quick and perfect for busy days. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove when you're ready to eat. You can also prep the chicken and veggies in advance. This saves time when you cook. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you have options. Use half-and-half for a similar texture. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These will still give your dish a rich taste. In this blog post, we covered a delicious One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. We explored key ingredients like chicken, spices, and veggies. I shared tips for cooking and enhancing flavor, plus variations to suit any taste. You learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions about prep time and ingredient swaps. Cooking can be fun and simple. With this recipe, you can impress your family and friends. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to make it your own. Happy cooking!

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Get ready to spice up your dinner with this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta! This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun flavors, and creamy cheddar in a hearty, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Dive into a world of bold flavors and simple cooking with this incredible one-pot meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (your choice of red or green), chopped

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juice

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cubed chicken breast and generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the top. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their flavors. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, until the garlic is aromatic and fragrant.

      Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, and add the chicken broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Once you reach a boil, add the penne pasta to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally until the pasta reaches an al dente consistency.

          After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, the previously cooked chicken, and the chopped spinach. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the spinach has wilted down into the dish.

            Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the pasta seems too thick, drizzle in a little extra chicken broth to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.

              Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to elevate the presentation.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For a cozy, rustic dining experience, serve straight from the pot. Alternatively, plate the pasta into individual bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and a touch of elegance.