One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
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 skillet using pantry staples like smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme. It's a complete weeknight dinner that cooks entirely in one pot.

🌍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 spice blend in olive oil and butter for 30 seconds before adding chicken to unlock deeper Cajun flavor.
Add pasta and liquid simultaneously, then stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Test pasta doneness at the minimum time; one-pot cooking continues to soften pasta after heat is removed.
If the sauce is too thin at the end, simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes; if too thick, stir in broth or cream in small amounts.

Substitutions

Oregano → Italian seasoning (maintains herbaceous profile)
Smoked paprika → hot paprika (adds heat; reduce cayenne if using)
Butter → additional olive oil (dairy-free option; flavor slightly less rich)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to restore sauce consistency.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spice blend and chop ingredients in advance. Cook the full recipe fresh for best texture, or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

What can I use instead of smoked paprika?

Regular paprika works as a substitute, though you'll lose the smoky depth. Add a pinch of liquid smoke if available for closer flavor match.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger pot or Dutch oven. Cooking time may increase slightly—stir occasionally and ensure pasta is fully tender before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

The cayenne pepper provides mild heat. Reduce it to 1/8 teaspoon for less spice, or omit entirely for a non-spicy version.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best in one-pot cooking. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which is harder to stir and coat evenly.