Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, smoky spices, and fresh vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting yet full of bold flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained)
• 3/4 cups half and half
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (rinsed and dried)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Stir to coat the pan as the butter melts.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan. Sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Stir in the penne pasta, chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes, and half and half. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the skillet.
8. Step 8: Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
9. Step 9: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
10. Step 10: Stir in the fresh baby spinach. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
11. Step 11: Stir everything well before serving to evenly distribute the sauce and ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage instead of chicken for a variation with a smoky kick.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese when stirring in the cream cheese.
• Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
• If you like your pasta less saucy, reduce the chicken broth to 1 1/2 cups.
• Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned fire-roasted tomatoes for a lighter taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti, but cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta used.

Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the spice by using more or less seasoning or choosing a milder blend if you prefer less heat.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a spicy Cajun seasoned sauce. With a creamy blend of half and half and cream cheese, enhanced by fresh baby spinach and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided

Vegetables

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
• 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

Pasta and Dairy

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cups half and half
• 2 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Chop the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and quick browning.
2. Heat Skillet and Butter: Place a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter, stirring to coat the pan evenly to prevent sticking.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the chopped chicken into the skillet, sprinkle with half the Cajun seasoning, and cook, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
6. Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the penne pasta, chicken broth, drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and half and half. Stir everything well to combine.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the skillet with a lid.
8. Cook Pasta: Let it cook covered for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
9. Melt Cream Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese, mixing until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
10. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach, remove the skillet from heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt gently.
11. Serve: Stir the pasta well before serving to distribute the spinach and sauce evenly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate extra liquid.
• This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if drained and thawed properly.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Keywords: Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, One-Pot Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Cajun Seasoned Dinner