This is an all-in-one-pot recipe. You don’t even have to cook the pasta in a different pot. You brown the chicken, make the sauce, and cook the pasta in the same pot. Juicy chicken and tender pasta are bathed in a creamy Cajun sauce that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients For Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Avocado oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cajun seasoning
- Red and yellow bell pepper
- Red onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- Half and half
- Penne pasta
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
How To Make 30-Minute One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Season the diced chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 1 tbsp avocado oil. Once hot, cook the diced chicken until brown on both sides, about 3 mins on each side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Add the remaining tbsp of oil and saute the bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic until tender, about 3 mins. Add remaining ½ tbs Cajun seasoning and pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and half and half. Bring to a boil and add the uncooked pasta.
- Simmer until the pasta is tender, about 14-15 mins. Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
How Can I Thicken The Sauce More?
You can either add more grated Parmesan cheese or add a cornstarch/water slurry to thicken the sauce. Start with one teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water.
What’s The Best Way To Reheat Leftovers?
You can reheat them in the microwave or a pot on the stovetop. Add a little chicken broth to the pasta before reheating.
30-Minute One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch dice
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1- 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice
- ¾ cup half and half
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the diced chicken with 1 tbsp of Cajun seasoning. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add 1 tbsp avocado oil. Once hot, cook the diced chicken until brown on both sides, about 3 mins on each side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Add the remaining tbsp of oil and saute the bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic until tender, about 3 mins. Add remaining ½ tbs Cajun seasoning and pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and half and half. Bring to a boil and add the uncooked pasta.
- Simmer until the pasta is tender, about 14-15 mins. Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is made of paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Add 1 tsp of each to make your own.
Can I Make This Without Chicken?
Yes, you can. You can make it with extra vegetables for a vegetarian entree, or use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.
How Do I Prevent The Pasta From Sticking?
Stir it frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Can I Make It Less Spicy?
To make it less spicy use less Cajun seasoning or a less spicy version. If you are making your own, omit the cayenne pepper.
How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Cooked Properly?
The easiest way to know is to slice one chicken piece in half and see if it is cooked through. Also, if you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the chicken should read 165 F when fully cooked.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?
You can use any pasta shape you like, but keep in mind the cooking time might vary, so keep an eye on it.
What If I Don’t Have Half And Half?
You can use heavy cream instead of half and half, but this will increase the amount of calories in the dish.
What Sides Go Well With This Dish?
All this dish needs is a simple salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread.
