One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Homemade Seasoning

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons smoked paprika.; 1 teaspoon oregano.; 1 teaspoon thyme.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 1 tablespoon butter.; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast.; 1 yellow onion, diced.; 1/2 pound penne pasta.; 1 can (15 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes.; 2 cups chicken broth.; 2 ounces cream cheese.; 3 green onions, sliced.

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This quick Cajun chicken pasta brings restaurant flavor home in just 30 minutes. Chicken and pasta cook together in a creamy tomato sauce seasoned with homemade Cajun spices. It's an easy weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

By Norah Momoria

Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:36 GMT

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A creamy pasta dish with rigatoni, tender pieces of chicken, and garnished with fresh parsley. | recipesim.com

30 Minute Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot wonder saved my weeknight dinners so many times. The combination of juicy chicken and pasta swimming in spicy cream sauce makes everyone run to the table. Best part is everything cooks in one pan which means less cleanup for me. My family thinks I spent hours making this rich restaurant style meal but it's actually ready in just 30 minutes. The secret is letting all those amazing Cajun spices blend with the cream sauce while the pasta cooks.

My Go To Comfort Meal

The recipe came to me during those crazy busy months when I needed quick but delicious dinners. Now it's become our favorite comfort food. I love how the pasta soaks up all the spicy Cajun flavors while it cooks right in the sauce. Something magical happens when everything comes together in that one pot making the creamiest most flavorful sauce ever.

A close-up of creamy pasta with pieces of chicken, tomato, and chopped parsley sprinkled on top. | recipesim.com

What You Need

Chicken: Grab boneless skinless breasts or thighs cut them into bite sized pieces
Penne Pasta: The ridges catch all that yummy sauce
Cajun Spices: My special mix of paprika oregano thyme garlic powder onion powder cayenne and black pepper
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These add such amazing flavor regular diced work too
Chicken Broth: Makes everything more flavorful than just water
Cream Cheese: Creates the most luxurious sauce
Yellow Onion: Adds the perfect sweetness
Olive Oil and Butter: For cooking and extra richness
Green Onions: Fresh garnish makes everything pretty

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this pasta dish?: With 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, it's mildly spicy. Adjust the cayenne to make it milder or spicier to your taste. You can always add more heat at the table.
→ Can I use different pasta shapes?: Any medium pasta shape works well - try rotini, fusilli, or ziti. Just keep the cooking time similar and make sure the pasta is covered by liquid while cooking.
→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?: Heavy cream or half-and-half can work instead. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt added after taking the pan off the heat.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: This dish is best served fresh, as the pasta can absorb sauce while sitting. If needed, make ahead but add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy sauce.