Discover the bold flavors of One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta, a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and creamy pasta for a satisfying dinner everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's packed with nutrients and tastes amazing.
1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. - Seasoning Process To start, take your diced chicken breasts and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated. This step adds a great flavor base. - Cooking the Chicken Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should turn golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Softening Onions and Peppers In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften but not lose their color. - Adding Garlic After the onions and peppers have softened, add the minced garlic. This will bring a lovely aroma to your dish. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. - Adding Liquids and Pasta Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to mix everything. Then, add the penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Finishing with Heavy Cream Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is heated through. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy your One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta! For more details, check the Full Recipe. Achieving Perfectly Cooked Pasta To get the best pasta, use a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the penne and stir. Cook until it's al dente, which means it has a slight bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. In the one-pan method, the pasta cooks with the sauce. Stir it often so it doesn't stick. This gives the pasta great flavor. Avoiding Overcooked Chicken To keep your chicken juicy, cut it into even pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it's brown. Then take it out of the pan. This prevents it from overcooking. When you add it back in, it will soak up all the great flavors. Customizing Spice Level Cajun seasoning can be spicy. If you like heat, add more seasoning. If you prefer mild, start with less. You can also add some cayenne pepper for extra kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Adding Extra Vegetables Feel free to mix in more veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Add them when you sauté the onions and peppers. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and texture. Pairing with Side Dishes One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta is filling. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. Ideal Garnishes Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for color. Grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and saltiness. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top for a fresh zing. It makes the dish look and taste amazing. For a full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} Using Shrimp You can swap chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté the shrimp until pink, then follow the same steps as for chicken. This change makes the dish lighter and adds a seafood twist. Vegetarian Options For a vegetarian version, use tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well and gives protein. Chickpeas add a hearty feel. Cook them the same way and enjoy a rich, flavorful meal without meat. Gluten-Free Pasta If you are gluten-sensitive, try gluten-free pasta. It works great in this dish. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. Whole Wheat Options Whole wheat pasta is a healthy swap. It has more fiber and nutrients. Use it in the same amount as regular pasta for a wholesome meal. Cajun vs. Creole Seasoning Cajun seasoning is spicy and bold. Creole seasoning has more herbs and is milder. You can switch them based on your spice level preference. Experiment to find your favorite flavor! Adding Different Herbs Fresh herbs like thyme or basil add depth. Just sprinkle some in while cooking. They bring a fresh taste and brighten the dish, making it even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta. - Storing Leftovers: Keep the leftover One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing. This keeps it fresh and tasty. - How Long It Lasts: In the fridge, your leftovers last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing could be a better option. - Freezing Instructions: To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. - Best Practices for Thawing: When you are ready to eat, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. This allows it to thaw slowly and safely. For a quicker method, you can thaw it in the microwave, but do it in short bursts. - Stovetop vs. Microwave: For the best taste and texture, reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir until heated through. The microwave is faster but may dry it out. - Maintaining Texture: If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or plate. This traps steam and helps keep the pasta moist. Stir halfway through heating for even warmth. You can make this dish easier with meal prep. Here are some tips: - Prep the Chicken: Season your chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge. - Chop Veggies: Dice your onion and bell pepper before cooking. This saves time. - Cook Pasta Early: You can cook the penne pasta a bit ahead. Just undercook it for the best texture. For time-saving techniques, try these ideas: - Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just add it in the last steps. - One-Pan Cooking: Stick to the one-pan method. It cuts down on clean-up time. - Frozen Veggies: Use frozen bell peppers and onions. They cook quickly and taste good. Yes, you can use different pasta types. Here are some good options: - Fusilli: Twists hold sauce well. - Rigatoni: Great for a hearty bite. - Spaghetti: Classic choice but may need extra cooking time. Adjust cooking times for substitutes: - Fusilli and Rigatoni: Cook for the same time as penne. - Spaghetti: Keep an eye on it. It may cook faster or slower than penne. Here are some tasty side dishes to try: - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up sauce. - Caesar Salad: Fresh greens balance the meal. - Roasted Vegetables: Add color and flavor to your plate. For dessert pairings, consider these options: - Chocolate Mousse: A rich, creamy finish. - Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing after a spicy meal. - Pecan Pie: A sweet treat to end your feast. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta. This blog showed how to make One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta. You learned about the main ingredients and key steps, from preparing the chicken to blending flavors. We also discussed helpful tips, variations, and storage options. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right guide. So, gather your ingredients and follow these steps. You’ll enjoy a tasty meal that suits your taste and needs. Happy cooking!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/15ba4705-a412-4758-97f0-83b9b9bcc8fc-250x250.webp)