Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a touch of spice. It’s a simple one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (drained)
• 3/4 cups half and half
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (rinsed and dried)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
2. Step 2: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter to melt. Stir to coat the pan evenly.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan and sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, and half and half to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the skillet.
8. Step 8: Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
9. Step 9: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
10. Step 10: Add the baby spinach, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
11. Step 11: Stir well before serving to combine all flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• Swap half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Add sliced mushrooms or diced tomatoes for more vegetable variety.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it at the end to avoid a watery sauce.

Is it necessary to drain the canned tomatoes?

Draining the fire-roasted tomatoes helps control the sauce consistency, but if you prefer a saucier dish, you can add them with the juice.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce made with half and half and cream cheese. Cooked all in one skillet with penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish offers a spicy and comforting meal perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided

Vegetables

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
• 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

Pasta and Sauce

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 2 ounces cream cheese

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Melt Butter: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter, stirring to coat the pan completely.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the chopped chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook stirring often until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pan, sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the vegetables.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the penne pasta, chicken broth, drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and half and half to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Melt Cream Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
9. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach until evenly dispersed. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to wilt the spinach.
10. Serve: Stir well to combine all ingredients before serving hot for a creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta dish.

Notes

• Use fresh Cajun seasoning or make your own blend for the best flavor.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth to the dish, but regular diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
• Half and half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
• Cooking the pasta in the sauce ensures all the flavors meld nicely but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, one skillet pasta, Cajun seasoning, weeknight dinner