This One Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta delivers bold flavor with a perfectly balanced spice level, making it a comforting meal you can create quickly. We capture the warmth of Cajun seasoning without overwhelming your palate.
Author:Eleanor Langley
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:One Pot
Cuisine:American/Cajun Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use less for milder heat)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Heat through gently until the sauce is creamy. Do not boil once the cream is added.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
To adjust the spice, start with only 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. You can always add more at the end.
If the sauce seems too thick near the end, add a splash more broth or milk.
For a richer flavor, use smoked sausage instead of chicken.