Description
This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and pasta simmered in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot for bold flavor and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
Substitute shrimp or smoked sausage for the chicken for a different flavor variation.
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for added color and freshness.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
