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One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 44 reviews

A flavorful and creamy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato-cream sauce infused with Cajun spices. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors, making it a comforting meal for any weeknight.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

Vegetables

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 2-inch strips
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into 2-inch strips
  • 1 small (5 – 6 oz) red onion, halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)

Liquids and Pasta

  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 Tbsp water

Finishing Touches

  • 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Add chicken in a single layer to the pot and cook until browned on one side, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and wrap in foil to keep warm.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and the remaining 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 more minute to release the flavors.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup heavy cream into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the penne pasta and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook Pasta and Thicken Sauce: Continue cooking the pasta until it is nearly tender, approximately 12-13 minutes. Then, add the cornstarch and water mixture to the pot and cook for another minute until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness and the sauce thickens.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream, parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, and the cooked chicken. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use Barilla penne pasta or similar for best consistency and cooking results.
  • If you prefer less spicy, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
  • Ensure to stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the pot.
  • For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but sauce will be less rich.
  • The cooked chicken can be wrapped in foil and kept warm in a low oven if needed while preparing vegetables.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/