One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing like the bold, zesty flavors of One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta to spice up a busy weeknight. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, spicy sauce that clings to every bite, all in a single pot for easy cleanup.

this Recipe

The first time I made this recipe, it was a happy accident. With just a few pantry staples and a craving for something flavorful, I whipped this up in under 30 minutes. Now, it’s a go-to for when I want something hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying without a sink full of dishes.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish irresistible and how you can whip it up for your next dinner.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Get ready to add this to your weekly rotation! One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than just a quick meal; it’s a little bowl of Louisiana-inspired heaven.

One-pot convenience. Say goodbye to a pile of dishes. This recipe lets you cook everything—chicken, pasta, and sauce—in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Big, bold flavors. The smoky heat of Cajun spices paired with the creamy sauce creates an unforgettable combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Customizable to your heat tolerance. Whether you love your food extra spicy or prefer a milder kick, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit everyone at the table.

Perfect for leftovers. The flavors deepen as the dish sits, making it ideal for meal prepping or reheating the next day.

With all these perks, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to get started? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this dish.

Chicken. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. The chicken is seasoned with Cajun spices and seared to lock in flavor before simmering in the sauce.

Cajun seasoning. This is where all the bold flavors come from! You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own with a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano.

Pasta. Choose a pasta shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Creamy base. The sauce is made with a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth, creating a luscious texture. You can swap in half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Vegetables. Diced bell peppers and onions add sweetness and balance the heat, while garlic brings a fragrant depth of flavor.

Cheese. A touch of Parmesan cheese at the end brings everything together with a salty, nutty finish.

If you have a large skillet or Dutch oven, you’re all set. Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious dish.

How To Make This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cooking this dish is as simple as it gets, but the results are anything but ordinary. Follow these steps for a flawless dinner.

1. Prep your ingredients. Begin by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces, slicing your bell peppers, and finely chopping your onion and garlic. Keep your Cajun seasoning close at hand.

2. Sear the chicken. Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the chicken pieces in Cajun seasoning and cook them until they’re golden-brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds the base of the sauce with caramelized sweetness and spice.

4. Build the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook the pasta. Stir in the dry pasta and let it cook directly in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This ensures the pasta absorbs all the Cajun spices and creamy richness.

6. Finish with cheese and chicken. Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cooked chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish.

This entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight.

Storage Options

This dish is just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness:

Refrigeration. Store your Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing. For longer storage, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating. Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, for a quicker option.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Swap the protein. Try shrimp, sausage, or a combination of both for a delicious twist.

Make it vegetarian. Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.

Adjust the heat. Add more Cayenne pepper for extra spice or use a milder Cajun blend for less heat.

Use gluten-free pasta. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly.

Cheese it up. Add shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack for an even creamier sauce.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite version of this dish. No matter how you customize it, the flavors are sure to wow your taste buds!

With its bold Cajun spices, creamy sauce, and one-pot convenience, this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Why not give it a try tonight?

Print