One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
A creamy and comforting one pot Cajun chicken pasta made with tender chicken, penne pasta, bell peppers, and bold Cajun seasoning. Easy, reliable, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil, ½ divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, ½ divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 small red onion (5–6 oz), halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans(14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can(14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- ¾ cup heavy cream, divided
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons fresh parsley, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add in a single layer and cook about 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and cover loosely.
- Add remaining olive oil to the same pot. Add bell peppers and red onion and cook about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and ½ cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil. Add penne pasta and stir to submerge.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 12–13 minutes until pasta is nearly tender and sauce has reduced.
- Stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook about 1 minute until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in remaining cream, Parmesan, parsley, and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
- Use Cajun seasoning with moderate salt for better control.
- Always add Parmesan off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.