One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s packed with bold flavors and minimal cleanup, One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, juicy fire-roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne come together in a single pan for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Every bite is rich, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
• Rich, creamy sauce with a smoky Cajun kick.
• Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly with adjustable spice levels.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Chicken Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• ½ pound uncooked penne pasta
• 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
5. Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
6. Add the penne, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
7. Stir well, cover, and bring everything to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
9. Add the cream cheese in chunks and stir until completely melted into the sauce.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately.

Tips & Tricks

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for an even richer finish.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the dish milder or spicier.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will continue absorbing the sauce after cooking.
• Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One Pot / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun-American
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary Notes: Nut-Free

Notes

• For an even creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Fresh parsley makes a wonderful garnish alongside the green onions.
• Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
• Leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 710mg

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a medium level of heat. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. The sauce may become slightly less creamy after thawing.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are all excellent additions.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Similar Recipes

• Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Basil
• Chicken Spinach Pasta

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner made with tender chicken, penne pasta, Cajun seasoning, and a creamy tomato sauce. Everything cooks in one pan for a rich, flavorful family meal with minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun-American

Ingredients

  

Cajun Seasoning

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Chicken Pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
• 1 yellow onion diced
• ½ lb uncooked penne pasta
• 15 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 3 green onions sliced

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and toss with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
• Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
• Add the penne, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
• Stir well, cover, and bring everything to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
• Add chunks of cream cheese and stir until completely melted into the sauce.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta immediately.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Fresh parsley makes an excellent garnish alongside green onions.
• Serve with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers bold Cajun flavors, juicy chicken, and a rich creamy sauce in a meal that’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for family dinners. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and only one pan to wash, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.