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- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 4 cups chicken broth - 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup fresh spinach - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The chicken breast is the star of this dish. It soaks up the Cajun spices and makes each bite flavorful. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick. I love using bell peppers and onions because they add sweetness and crunch. Diced tomatoes give a nice base, and chicken broth keeps everything moist. Penne pasta holds the sauce well, and heavy cream makes it rich. Cheddar cheese adds creaminess, while fresh spinach gives a pop of color and nutrition. - Large pot or skillet - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons A large pot is key for this meal. It allows all the ingredients to cook together. A wooden spoon helps to mix things without scratching your pot. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient. - Fresh parsley - Additional cheese - Crusty bread for serving Garnishes can make your dish shine. Fresh parsley adds a lovely green touch. Extra cheese can make it even cheesier. Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the pasta and sauce. You can serve it all straight from the pot for a fun meal. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juice and the chicken broth. Stir to mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it boils, add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente. Once the pasta is ready, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach. Mix until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dish is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check the link. How to achieve perfect pasta consistency To get pasta just right, cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Stir it often while it cooks to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the time, as different brands may cook differently. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Tips for evenly cooking chicken For even cooking, cut the chicken into uniform cubes. This helps each piece cook at the same rate. Sauté the chicken in a hot pot with olive oil. Avoid crowding the pot; if needed, cook in batches. This way, your chicken will brown nicely and stay juicy. Recommended spices to elevate the dish Cajun seasoning is the star here, but you can add more! Try a pinch of smoked paprika for depth or a dash of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also boost the flavor. Experiment to find what you love best! Adding extra ingredients for variation You can mix in veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more nutrition. Feel free to toss in some sweet corn or black beans for added texture. If you want a fresh twist, squeeze in some lemon juice just before serving. Creative plating ideas For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in bowls. Top each bowl with extra cheese and fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for color. If you want a rustic look, serve right from the pot. Suggested side dishes that pair well This pasta goes great with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls complements the meal nicely. For a refreshing touch, serve with a light fruit salad or coleslaw. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it in the pot like the chicken. Sausage brings a rich taste. Choose your favorite type, like andouille or smoked sausage. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try plant-based protein. Cook it just as you would the chicken. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. You can use tofu, tempeh, or your favorite meat substitute. If you want a different type of pasta, there are many options. You can use fusilli, bowtie, or even spaghetti. Each pasta shape gives a unique texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that hold up well in this dish. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta for added nutrition. If you love spice, try adding more Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for extra heat. This will give the dish a nice kick that heat lovers will enjoy. For kids or those who prefer milder flavors, cut back on the seasoning. You can also add a bit of cream to balance the heat. This makes it creamy and smooth, perfect for sensitive palates. Each variation lets you make this dish your own. Experiment and find what you love best! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it safe and tasty for a few days. I recommend using glass containers as they do not stain and are easy to clean. Make sure the lid fits snugly to avoid any spills. For the best taste, reheat your pasta on the stovetop. Place the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or plate. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Then, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the stovetop method or use the microwave. This way, you can enjoy your Cajun Chicken Pasta again! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Can I make this without heavy cream? Yes, you can. If you want a lighter dish, use milk or a plant-based cream. This will change the texture a bit but still taste great. How long does it take to cook from scratch? It takes about 30 minutes. You can prepare everything in one pot, which saves time. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it in a pot. Caloric content per serving Each serving has roughly 600 calories. This includes healthy protein from chicken and carbs from pasta. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 40g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 25g These values may vary based on ingredient brands or portion sizes. How to make it more or less spicy To increase spice, add more Cajun seasoning or some cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning. Recommendations for Cajun seasoning brands I recommend using brands like Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama. Both have great flavor and heat. This blog post guides you through making One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, cooking tools, and optional garnishes. I provided clear step-by-step instructions to make the dish tasty and fun. Plus, you discovered tips for great texture and flavor. Whether you follow my suggested variations or create your own, this recipe is versatile. Enjoy storing and reheating leftovers to savor later. Dive into this easy meal anytime you want a quick and satisfying dish!

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavors of this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, a delicious and easy meal perfect for any night! With tender chicken, zesty Cajun spice, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. This hearty dish is loaded with flavor and can be on your table in just 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cubed

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

4 cups chicken broth

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup fresh spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and sprinkle Cajun seasoning over it. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente.

          Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach. Mix until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dish is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

              Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for an added touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the pot for a rustic feel, or plate in individual bowls topped with extra cheese and fresh parsley for a pop of color.