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20 Minute Velvety Cajun Chicken Pasta
This single-pot knockout has saved my busy evenings countless times. Everyone rushes to eat when they smell the juicy chicken chunks and pasta bathed in that spicy cream mixture. The biggest win? Everything cooks together, so there's barely any washing up afterward. My crew thinks I've slaved away for this fancy-looking meal when it's actually thrown together in under half an hour. The magic happens when those bold Cajun seasonings mingle with the creamy sauce as the pasta bubbles away.
My Ultimate Comfort Dish
I stumbled on this dish during a hectic period when quick but tasty meals were a must. It's now turned into our top pick when we need something warm and satisfying. The way the pasta drinks up all those zesty Cajun flavors while simmering in the sauce is just fantastic. There's some kind of kitchen alchemy happening when all the ingredients bubble together in that single pot, creating the silkiest, most tasty sauce you can imagine.
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What You'll Need
- Chicken: Pick up some skinless boneless thighs or breasts and chop them into small chunks
- Penne Pasta: Its texture helps grab onto the delicious sauce
- Cajun Spices: My unique blend of thyme paprika oregano black pepper cayenne onion powder and garlic powder
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: They pack so much extra flavor but standard diced ones work fine too
- Chicken Broth: Gives everything a tastier base than water would
- Cream Cheese: The secret to that incredibly rich sauce
- Yellow Onion: Brings just the right touch of sweetness
- Olive Oil and Butter: Used for cooking and adding extra flavor
- Green Onions: A fresh topping that makes the dish look amazing
Recipe FAQs
- → Is this pasta very spicy?
Using 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne makes it lightly spicy. Add more if you love heat or cut it back for a milder dish. Adjust to your liking!
- → Can I try other pasta shapes?
Sure! Rotini, fusilli, or ziti all work great. Keep the cooking time similar, and make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta as it cooks.
- → What can I swap for cream cheese?
Heavy cream or half-and-half works fine. For a lighter touch, mix in Greek yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling.
- → Can it be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh since the pasta soaks up sauce over time. If making early, stir in a little cream or broth when you reheat it.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently with a bit of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
Creamy Cajun Chicken
This one-pan favorite mixes tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce with Cajun spices. Done in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Steps
Combine all the Cajun spices in a bowl and stir well.
Cut chicken pieces into chunks, then coat them generously in the spice mix.
Melt butter with oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Cook the chicken cubes on each side until golden brown.
Toss diced onion into the pan, cooking for around 2 minutes until soft.
Pour in the chicken broth, canned tomatoes (with their juices), and throw in the pasta.
Let everything come to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook gently for 10 minutes.
Give it a stir now and then, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick, and cook until tender.
Once pasta is done, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and mixed.
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top and dig in.
Notes
- A deep pan works best for this dish.
- Stir the pot often so your pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet with a lid for simmering.
- Small bowl for mixing seasoning.
- Cutting board for prepping ingredients.
Allergen Information
Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
- Dairy (includes butter, cream cheese).
- Gluten (due to pasta).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Protein: 35 g