Name: One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 12 oz penne pasta; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley (for garnish)

When the craving for bold, zesty flavors hits, nothing satisfies quite like One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta—all cooked in one pot for maximum convenience and minimum cleanup.

I stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight, needing something quick but exciting to break up our dinner routine. The Cajun spices brought a fiery kick we loved, while the creamy sauce kept everything perfectly balanced. Ready to spice up your dinner game? Let’s get started!

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight lifesaver that checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and family-friendly appeal.

First off, it’s unbelievably easy. Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash and a seamless cooking process. From stovetop to table, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

Next, the flavors are outstanding. Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat and smokiness, while the creamy sauce balances everything beautifully. It’s comfort food with a kick!

Plus, it’s customizable. You can add vegetables, swap out proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes. It’s a recipe that fits into your lifestyle and pantry.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this pasta has something for everyone. The creamy, spicy, and hearty combination is irresistible.

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's what you'll need and why each one matters.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the Cajun seasoning for juicy, flavorful bites. Chicken thighs are also a great option if you prefer dark meat.
Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show! This bold blend of spices brings heat, smokiness, and depth. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini works best for this recipe, as their ridges catch and hold onto the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth: The sauce gets its creamy texture from heavy cream, while chicken broth adds a savory base that keeps the dish from feeling overly rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that ties the dish together.
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies add sweetness and crunch, balancing the spice of the Cajun seasoning.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic enhances the dish with aromatic depth.

No special equipment is needed—just a sturdy pot or Dutch oven large enough to hold everything. Now, let’s bring it all together!

How to Make This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Making this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner.

Season and Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor!
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot, along with more Cajun seasoning for extra spice. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Slice and Add the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is tender, stir the chicken back into the pot, along with freshly grated Parmesan.
Finish and Serve: Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While pasta dishes can lose texture when frozen, this recipe holds up fairly well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some easy ways to customize your One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta:

Add Veggies: Throw in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor.
Switch Proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a unique twist.
Make It Spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Try Different Pasta: Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta works just as well in this dish.

Experiment with these ideas to make the recipe your own—you can’t go wrong!

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect marriage of bold flavors and easy cleanup. With its creamy sauce, zesty spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every bite!