One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp thyme; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked); 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 oz. cream cheese; 3 green onions, sliced

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality Cajun flavor in a single pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a complete dinner from pantry staples.

🌍Cajun 🌍American 🏷️Dinner 🏷️One Pot 🏷️Spicy

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Budget Bytes

Ingredients

2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 yellow onion, diced
1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked)
15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
2 oz. cream cheese
3 green onions, sliced

17 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
2
Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the skillet is very hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
3
Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes more, or just until the onion begins to soften. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4
Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
5
Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
6
Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Toast the dry spices (paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne) in the olive oil and butter for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to bloom their flavors and prevent a raw spice taste.
Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly in the one-pot environment; thicker pieces may remain undercooked while others overcook.
Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking to the pot bottom and ensure even cream absorption; this also helps distribute the Cajun seasoning throughout.
Use medium heat once the cream is added to prevent scorching on the bottom; high heat can cause the sauce to break or separate.

Substitutions

Smoked paprika → regular paprika + 1/4 tsp liquid smoke (maintains depth without true smoke flavor)
Butter → additional olive oil (works but loses richness; reduce by 1/2 Tbsp)
Oregano → Italian seasoning (milder and more herbaceous; use same amount)
Chicken → shrimp or diced bell peppers (shortens cook time; add shrimp in last 2–3 minutes)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce consistency.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Cook the pasta slightly al dente, store in an airtight container, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.