Description
A flavorful one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun spices, and a rich, cheesy sauce with penne pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Chicken Pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Seasoning and Chicken: Combine all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the outside is colored but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until softened, stirring to release browned bits from the skillet bottom.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth until evenly combined. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens into a sauce.
- Add Cream Cheese and Finish: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted into the sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a 4-quart deep skillet for best results.
- Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer and prevent pasta from sticking.
- Frequent stirring helps ensure even cooking and prevents burning.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper slightly.
- Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
