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Homemade One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta photo

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A creamy, spicy one-pot pasta with Cajun-seasoned chicken, tomatoes, and cream cheese ready in about 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • large stockpot or deep skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • ladle or large spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta about 1/2 box
  • 4 ounces cream cheese full-fat or reduced-fat, softened and cut into cubes (do not use fat-free)
  • green onions for serving, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the chicken with 1/2 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned on the outside, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Add the minced onion and diced red bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, remove the lid, add the rotini pasta, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring every 2 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Uncover, add the cubed cream cheese, and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is fully cooked and sauce is smooth, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make Cajun seasoning by combining 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper, plus a pinch of cayenne.
  • To use andouille sausage, substitute 12 ounces sliced sausage and reduce Cajun seasoning to 1/2 tablespoon.
  • For a meatless version, omit chicken and reduce Cajun seasoning to 1/2 tablespoon.
  • Adjust spice by adding 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or reducing the Cajun seasoning.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this gluten-free.