Super easy, packed with bold flavors Cajun Chicken Pasta all done in one pot. This is the kind of recipe you need when you do not have time or energy to cook yet you need a bubbly, homemade kid-friendly dinner on the table fast.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This is the kind of weeknight meal that is on heavy rotation here. Kid and adult approved meal that feels luxurious yet so easy to make. I also like how adaptable this meals is. So make it as is or customize the recipe to put your own unique spin on it!
Recipe Ingredients
- Spices: we'll canjun seasoning (homemade or store bought), smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- Chicken breast, you can also use thighs.
- Pasta, any shape of pasta you like.
- Chicken stock and water to cook the pasta.
- Light tasting oil, I used avocado oil and also we will need unsalted butter.
- Fresh garlic.
- Heavy cream for a creamy sauce, you can use half and half or regular milk mixed with some cornstarch for thickening. You can also leave it out for a non creamy version.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into thin strips
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun spice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to your liking
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or any light tasting oil
For the paste:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic about two medium cloves
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 8 oz dry pasta of choice
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Optional:
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine first 6 ingredients well
- In a large skillet add oil then sear chicken in batches until browned nicely all over.
- Remove to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet melt butter then saute garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add boiling water and chicken broth then bring to a rapid boil
- Add the dry pasta, cover and continue to cook until pasta is tender, will take about 8-10 minutes.
- Uncover, return chicken with any accumulated liquids then pour in heavy cream and mix well.
- If using add in the parmesan cheese and mix until cheese melts.
- Toss everything well until pasta is coated evenly then serve.
Nutrition
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
1- In a large bowl or dish with sides, mix thinly cut chicken breast pieces with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper.
2- Heat oil in a large skillet on high heat and sear chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet melt butter and saute garlic then add boiling water, stock and pasta. Cover and cook until pasta is al dente.
3- Uncover the skillet, add cooked chicken with accumulated juices. Pour in heavy cream and adjust seasoning. Mix in Parmesan cheese if using.
FAQs
Place leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash or broth of milk.
Although this recipe can be served with no sides, I like to serve it with a side of salad, roasted vegetables or garlic bread bread.
You can add some frozen vegetables to cook with the pasta. Add a can or two of fire roasted tomatoes or use a different protein like shrimp.
Other Chicken Pasta Recipes
- Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel.
- Alfredo Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp.
- Olive Garden Chicken Scampi.
- Cheesy Chicken Tetrazzini.
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