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Creamy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can swap with half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or pot. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper; cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Push the veggies to the side and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  5. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat (about 5 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Add more broth or cream if it looks dry.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce feels too thick after resting, stir in a tablespoon of warm broth or cream to loosen it. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cheese with vegan alternatives. Freeze before adding cheese and add cheese after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy Cajun recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/creamy-one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-comfort-dinner/