One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Published: December 4, 2022
Chef: KemoNine • Category: Dinner • Cuisine: Cajun

Tags: BudgetBytesOnePotChickenNoodles

Yields: 4 • Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

  • ** Cajun Seasoning **
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • ** Chicken Pasta **
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 lb. penne pasta
  • 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 oz. cream cheese
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Directions

  • Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
  • Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the skillet is very hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
  • Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes more, or just until the onion begins to soften. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
  • Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
  • Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.

Inspiration & Resources

Pictured: The view on the water on a Lousiana swamp river. The perspectie is looking down river from a boat. The image was obtained from Unsplash at https://unsplash.com/photos/yxkH3p6WuT0