When you take that first bite of creamy Cajun chicken pasta, it’s like a jazz festival in your mouth—rich, vibrant, and a little unexpected. The magic of this dish lies in its creamy yet spicy sauce that dances around tender chicken and pasta. I remember the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could be so profoundly satisfying—like finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket.
Steps
- Mix together the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Cut the chicken breast into cubes and coat them with the seasoning blend.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned, but not fully cooked through.
- Add chopped yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for a couple of minutes until it starts to soften, helping to lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Put the penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and bring the broth to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens.
- Add cream cheese in small chunks to the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 2895.9 kcal | Total Carbohydrates: 309.18 g | Total Protein: 209.7 g | Total Fat: 87.48 g | Total Sodium: 5083.38 mg | Total Fiber: 20.7 g
FAQ
- Can I make this dish less spicy?
- Absolutely! To reduce the heat, you can decrease the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a completely mild dish, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
- What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
- This recipe works well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and cook quickly. However, you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute penne with any other short pasta shape like fusilli or rigatoni. Just avoid longer noodles, as they may not cook evenly in the one-pot method.
- Is there a way to make this dish without cream cheese?
- If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can replace it with a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. About 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 1/2 cup of half-and-half should work well to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
- What can I add to make the dish more indulgent?
- For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding some cooked bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also include shrimp for a seafood twist. These additions will enhance the flavor and make the dish even more satisfying.
Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: You can control the spiciness by altering the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne by half or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
- Customize Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy dish or need a cream cheese substitute, use a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half. For a non-creamy version, simply omit these ingredients.
- Enhance Flavor: Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch to the dish, complementing the spices and creaminess.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: To elevate the dish, consider adding cooked bacon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Shrimp can also be a delicious addition for a seafood twist.
Equipment
- Deep Skillet (at least 4-quart capacity) – essential for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- White Cutting Boards – for chopping ingredients like chicken and onions.
- Glass Mixing Bowls – for mixing the Cajun seasoning and coating the chicken cubes.
