One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe: Zippy Southern Comfort

Whipping up a delectable cajun chicken pasta that bursts with flavor doesn’t require complicated cooking skills.

Spices dance across tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering symphony of taste.

Creamy sauce embraces perfectly cooked noodles, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Quick preparation makes this dish ideal for busy weeknight dinners when comfort food calls.

Simplicity meets bold seasoning in this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

Layers of smoky, zesty notes promise an unforgettable dining experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

One skillet stands between you and an incredible meal that impresses without stress.

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: Flavorful Highlights

• Boost Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a mouthwatering Cajun chicken pasta that transforms ordinary meals into exciting culinary adventures with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your spice tolerance, making this recipe perfect for families with different heat preferences.
• Streamline Cooking Process: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single pot, reducing dishes and saving precious time during busy evenings while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine creamy, spicy, and hearty elements that appeal to both adults and kids, creating a versatile dish suitable for casual family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Cajun Chicken Pasta Dish

• Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs the Cajun seasoning and provides the main source of meat in this dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of spices that creates a bold and zesty flavor profile for the chicken and pasta.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add texture, depth of flavor, and aromatic elements to the one-pot meal.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: A combination that creates a rich and creamy sauce for the pasta.

• Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds a savory finish to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a slight richness to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright touch.

Steps To Create Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Spice the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook the chicken until it develops a delicious golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked.

Step 2: Saute Vibrant Vegetables

• Diced bell pepper
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook these veggies for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The pasta is ready when it’s tender and has absorbed the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Stir in Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create an extra creamy texture.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and steaming.

Tips For Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Dial up or down the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance without losing the authentic flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a versatile one-pot meal that keeps everyone happy.
• Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add more texture.
• Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or try dairy-free milk for a lactose-free option that doesn't compromise taste.
• Store in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of broth to prevent the pasta from drying out and maintain its creamy consistency.

Cajun Pasta – Mix In Tasty Variations

• Vegetarian Creamy Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep Cajun spices for robust flavor.
• Gluten-Free Cajun Pasta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar cheesy profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, maintain Cajun seasoning and protein, reduce cooking time to prevent vegetable from becoming mushy.

Cajun Chicken Pasta: Best Ways To Serve

• Creamy Comfort Bowl: Serve this pasta in deep bowls to capture all the rich, saucy goodness and showcase the vibrant colors of bell peppers.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the entire pot in the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion with extra Parmesan and hot sauce on the side.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits for added texture and a protein boost that complements the Cajun chicken perfectly.
• Fresh Green Accent: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.

How To Store Cajun Chicken Pasta Best

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that adds bold, spicy flavor to dishes originating from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne, fettuccine, or rotini for similar results. Just ensure cooking times remain consistent with the recipe.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Use less for mild flavor or add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjust according to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa.

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy one pot cajun chicken pasta brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with bold flavors and creamy textures. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a quick meal perfect for hungry families craving zesty Creole-inspired cuisine you can savor in just minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavor base by searing chicken with Cajun spices in hot olive oil, ensuring a golden-brown exterior that locks in robust, zesty flavors.
2. Introduce aromatic vegetables to the pot, allowing bell peppers, onions, and garlic to soften and release their natural sweetness for approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Develop a luxurious sauce by combining chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety foundation for the pasta.
4. Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the liquid mixture, bringing the contents to a vigorous boil before reducing heat to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
5. Elevate the dish’s creaminess by folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create a silky texture while enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
6. Finish the one-pot wonder with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, providing a bright, herbaceous garnish that cuts through the richness and adds a final layer of visual appeal.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, using mild or hot varieties for personalized flavor intensity.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility and diverse meal options.
• Stir pasta gently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, even sauce distribution throughout the dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg