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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot cajun chicken pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly balanced Cajun spices for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or wide pot. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium, add chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Cook until softened but still vibrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the dry pasta and 3 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure pasta is submerged. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  6. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is almost tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Add more broth or water if it starts drying out too quickly.
  7. Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and mix gently. Let everything warm through for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately while warm and cozy.

Notes

Watch the pasta closely during cooking to avoid mushiness. Add cream at the end to prevent sauce separation. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a silkier texture. Add parsley for a fresh note. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, comfort food, Cajun seasoning

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-cozy-dinners/