This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner: smoky, spicy, creamy, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Plus, it costs under $10 for the whole meal — making it as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One Pot Wonder – no juggling multiple pans or dishes.
- ✅ Big Flavor, Small Effort – smoky Cajun spices + creamy sauce in under 30 minutes.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly – feeds four for less than $10.
- ✅ Customizable – adjust spice levels, make it creamy or not, even add shrimp or bacon.
- ✅ Family Favorite – comforting and hearty, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 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 penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make Cajun Seasoning
- Mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Season Chicken
- Cut chicken into ½–¾ inch cubes. Place in a bowl and coat evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet over medium-high.
- Add seasoned chicken and cook a couple of minutes per side until browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Add Onion
- Stir in the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes, letting the moisture lift browned bits from the skillet.
- Add Pasta & Broth
- Stir in pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth.
- Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
- Make it Creamy
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish & Serve
- Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Stir often while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Don’t overcook the chicken in the first step; it finishes cooking in the broth.
- Adjust cayenne to your spice tolerance.
Variations & Substitutions
- Not Spicy: skip the cayenne.
- Extra Creamy: use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of cream cheese.
- Protein Swap: try shrimp, chicken thighs, or even add bacon.
- Umami Boost: sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
What to Serve With It
- Caesar salad for freshness.
- Garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the sauce.
- Roasted veggies on the side for balance.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly (cream cheese can separate).
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~483 kcal
- Protein: ~35 g
- Carbs: ~52 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Sodium: ~847 mg
- Fiber: ~3.5 g
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