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- Chicken: You need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and absorb flavor well. - Cajun seasoning: Use 1 tablespoon. This spice mix gives the dish its bold flavor. You can buy it or make your own with spices like paprika and cayenne. - Vegetables: The mix includes a medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. These veggies add color and taste. - Olive oil: You'll need 2 tablespoons. This oil helps cook the chicken and vegetables and adds richness. - Chicken broth: Use 3 cups. It adds depth to the pasta and keeps it moist. - Heavy cream: One cup is needed. This gives the dish its creamy texture and makes it rich and satisfying. - Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. It also adds color to your dish. - Grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Sprinkle it on top just before serving for extra taste. This simple list of ingredients will help you create a delicious One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Each component plays a key role in making the dish flavorful and enjoyable. - Seasoning the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces. Place these in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Toss well until every piece is coated. This will give your dish a warm, spicy flavor. - Chopping vegetables: Next, chop your veggies. Dice 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Slice 1 red bell pepper into strips. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Having these ready makes cooking easier and faster. - Sautéing the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden and is no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set it aside. - Cooking the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is clear. Then, toss in the sliced bell pepper and cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant. - Adding broth and pasta: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Stir to mix well. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. - Stirring in cream: After the pasta is cooked, add the chicken back to the pan. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the dish is warm and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. To make your dish stand out, adjust the Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon, then taste it. If you like more heat, add a little extra. Cajun seasoning can vary in spice levels. Always trust your taste buds! Cooking the pasta al dente is key for texture. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the pasta package instructions, but check it a minute early. It will keep cooking after you drain it. The best type of pan to use is a large skillet. A skillet allows for even cooking and enough space for all the ingredients. Make sure it has a lid for simmering the pasta. For utensils, use a wooden spoon for stirring. It won't scratch your pan and helps mix the ingredients well. A good set of measuring cups helps keep your portions accurate. Pair your creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a simple side salad. A fresh salad balances the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty combo. To serve, garnish your pasta with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. A sprinkle of black pepper on top adds a nice touch too! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice twist. Just sauté it in the pan until it turns pink. Sausage gives a hearty flavor. Slice it and brown it with the veggies. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or chickpeas instead. They soak up the sauce and add great texture. Pasta shape matters! You can use rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce differently. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Look for ones made from rice or chickpeas. They are tasty and work well in this dish. Want more flavor? Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. You can also toss in veggies like spinach or zucchini. They add color and nutrients. Just add them when you sauté your other veggies for a fresh taste. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass containers, as they do not absorb odors. The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stove. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you want to keep the creaminess, avoid the microwave. The microwave can make it dry and clumpy. Yes, you can freeze cooked pasta, but it may change the texture. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. To defrost, move the bag to the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stove with a splash of broth. This helps maintain the creaminess. Stir gently to combine everything well. Enjoy your flavorful pasta again! What is Cajun seasoning made of? Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It often includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Some mixes may add thyme and oregano for extra flavor. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own at home. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. How do I avoid overcooked pasta? To avoid overcooked pasta, follow these steps. First, check the package for cooking time. Cook the pasta just until al dente, or firm to the bite. Stir it occasionally while it simmers. Also, remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked and add the cream right away. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use several substitutes for heavy cream. Options include half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of butter, or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Each substitute will change the flavor slightly, but they work well in this dish. Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet? Yes, this recipe can fit a keto diet with a few changes. Use a low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles instead of penne. Check the Cajun seasoning for added sugars, and use heavy cream to keep it rich and creamy. Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute. Use a dairy-free cheese or skip cheese altogether. This keeps the dish creamy while being friendly for those who avoid dairy. This recipe highlights key ingredients like chicken, Cajun seasoning, and veggies. You learned how to prep, cook, and combine these elements for a tasty dish. My tips helped you perfect flavors and choose the right pasta. We explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists! Cooking this dish can be fun and rewarding. The flavors are bold, and the meal is satisfying, so dive in and savor every bite.

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the flavors of the South with this One-Pan Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta! Perfect for busy weeknights, this delicious recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy sauce all in one dish. In just 30 minutes, enjoy a mouthwatering meal that's easy to prepare and cleanup. Discover the full recipe now and elevate your dinner game with this creamy, spicy delight! Click through to explore all the tasty details!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cups chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until well coated.

    Saute Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper and the cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.

        Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and cover, allowing it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Stir in Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it's warmed through and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4