Description
A flavorful and creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe featuring tender chicken seasoned with homemade Cajun spices, simmered with penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes, and cream cheese for a rich, comforting meal.
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 chicken breast into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, place in a bowl, and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and foamy. Add seasoned chicken and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until the outside develops color but is not fully cooked through.
- Sauté onion: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until beginning to soften, scraping the skillet bottom to dissolve browned bits.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth until combined. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and liquid has thickened into a sauce.
- Add cream cheese and finish: Stir in cream cheese chunks until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a 4-quart capacity deep skillet for best results.
- Adjust heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer during cooking.
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to the skillet.
- If cream cheese is not melting smoothly, add a splash of broth to help.
- Can substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs for more tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
