Spice Up Your Pasta Night With This Flavorful One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Spread the love

Are you tired of making the same old pasta recipes? Have you been on the hunt for a recipe that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this one pot cajun chicken pasta recipe. With tender chicken, creamy pasta, and just the right amount of spice, it’s the perfect recipe to spice up your pasta night.If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love, then this recipe is for you. All you need is some chicken breast, pasta, cajun seasoning, chicken broth, heavy cream, and a few other pantry staples. And since it’s all made in just one pot, you won’t have to worry about lots of cleanup afterward.

This one pot cajun chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to serve up a delicious and satisfying meal. And with just one pot to clean up, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions on how to make this tasty pasta dish.If you’re looking for a delicious way to jazz up your pasta night routine, then you’re going to love this one pot cajun chicken pasta recipe. Made with tender chicken, creamy pasta, and just enough spice, it’s the perfect meal to satisfy your taste buds without taking up too much of your time. Plus, with just one pot to clean up, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing with your loved ones. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

To make this one pot cajun chicken pasta recipe, you’ll need some key ingredients. Start off with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you’ll cook first in a large skillet until they’re no longer pink. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. Then, you’ll need pasta, which you can use any type you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.For the pasta, we recommend using a short, sturdy shape that can hold up to the sauce. You’ll also need cajun seasoning, which you can either make yourself with a blend of spices or buy pre-made at the store. Additionally, you’ll need chicken broth, heavy cream, diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, and a few other pantry staples.

Most of these ingredients are easily found at your local grocery store, and you may even have some of them in your pantry already. For example, instead of chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth or water with a bit of chicken bouillon. And if you don’t have heavy cream, you could substitute with half and half, milk, or even cream cheese. This recipe also allows for some substitutions or additions to suit your taste, such as adding bell peppers or mushrooms, or using spicy sausage instead of chicken.Speaking of sausage, if you want to add an extra kick to your cajun pasta dish, you can substitute the chicken for spicy sausage or add some to the recipe to complement the cajun seasoning. Another great addition is some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, which can be mixed into the sauce before serving. These little tweaks can make all the difference in the final flavor of your dish, and it’s always fun to experiment with different ingredients to find what works best for you.

Instructions

To start making this delicious one pot cajun chicken pasta, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add in a tablespoon of oil and the chicken breast.Next, cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it from the skillet to a plate and set it aside for later.In the same skillet, add in the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook them until they’re softened, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cajun seasoning, and let everything cook for another minute until fragrant.

Now, it’s time to add the pasta to the skillet along with the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Be sure to stir everything well so that the pasta is fully coated in the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked.

After the pasta is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken, and let everything cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened up a bit. If the pasta seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to dig in and enjoy your one pot cajun chicken pasta. Serve it up in individual bowls and garnish with shredded parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for some extra flavor and color. This pasta dish is perfect for serving a crowd or for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Serving

When it comes to serving this one pot cajun chicken pasta, you can pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. The leftovers also make for a great lunch the next day, so feel free to double the recipe if you want to have plenty of extras. Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile, so you can switch up the protein or pasta type to suit your tastes. Trust us, once you try this one pot version, you’ll never want to make spaghetti and meatballs again!Another great serving option for this one pot cajun chicken pasta is to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix to make it more colorful and nutritious. And don’t be afraid to play around with the level of spice – if you’re a heat seeker, add more cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. The options are endless, so have fun with it and enjoy your delicious and easy one pot meal.

In conclusion, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to switch up their regular pasta routine. It’s easy, flavorful and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. All the ingredients come together in one pot, which makes the cooking process less overwhelming and saves you time on dishwashing. Not to mention, it’s a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. So, put on your apron and start cooking this spicy and creamy one pot cajun chicken pasta. We promise you won’t regret it!If you’re looking to make this recipe even healthier, you can swap out regular pasta for its whole-grain or vegetable version. Spiralized zucchini or squash noodles would work great in this recipe, providing extra nutrients and fiber. Or, you can add more veggies to the mix, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. These healthy substitutes make the dish more colorful, flavorful, and nutritious, which is always a good thing!

Conclusion

Additionally, if you want to make this recipe even more budget-friendly, you can replace the chicken breast with chicken thighs or ground chicken. These options are usually cheaper than chicken breast, and they work equally well in this recipe. You can also use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh ones, which again cuts costs but not the taste. Likewise, if you don’t have cajun seasoning at home, you can make your own by combining paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This homemade version tastes just as good and allows you to control the level of spiciness. No matter what version of this recipe you make, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Lastly, don’t forget to top off your one pot cajun chicken pasta with some freshly grated parmesan cheese. The salty and nutty flavor of the parmesan pairs perfectly with the spicy and creamy sauce of the pasta. You can also sprinkle some chopped parsley or basil on top for some added freshness and color. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can drizzle some balsamic glaze or olive oil on top of the pasta. These additional toppings elevate the dish to restaurant-quality level and impress your dinner guests. No matter how you serve it, this one pot cajun chicken pasta is a crowd-pleaser and a winner in the taste department. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking – your palate will thank you!