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Cooking One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is easy. Gather these key ingredients for a tasty meal. - Chicken and Seasonings - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Vegetables - 1 small onion, chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Pasta and Dairy Components - 4 cups chicken broth - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Additional Seasoning and Garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture. The chicken provides protein, while the Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. The vegetables bring freshness and color, and the creamy sauce makes the dish rich and satisfying. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. While the oil heats, season your diced chicken with Cajun seasoning. This spice blend adds a warm kick to the dish. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, turning until it’s browned on all sides. When done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step builds a tasty base for your pasta. Next, stir in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for an additional 2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing. The tomatoes will burst and mix with the other flavors. Now it's time to bring it all together. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta, stirring it into the broth. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes or until it's al dente. After the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Heat it for another 2 minutes. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, grab some deep bowls. Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into each bowl. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. For an added treat, serve this dish with a slice of crusty garlic bread on the side. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delight! To cook pasta just right, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Add a generous pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. - Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. - Stir the pasta right after you add it. This keeps it from sticking. - Cook until it’s al dente, which means firm to the bite. - Save a cup of pasta water before draining. You can use it later to adjust sauce thickness. If you want to change the spice level, consider these ideas: - Use less Cajun seasoning for a milder dish. - Mix in some cream to tone down the heat. - Add a touch of sugar to balance strong spices. - For more heat, try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. - Always taste your dish as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance. Here are tools that can make your cooking easier: - A large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the pasta and sauce. - A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and chicken. - A cutting board to keep your workspace tidy. - A measuring cup for accurate liquid measurements. - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. - A cheese grater for fresh Parmesan. Using the right tools can make your cooking faster and more fun! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for diced mushrooms or zucchini. These veggies add great texture and soak up the Cajun flavors. You can also use firm tofu for added protein. Just make sure to season it well with Cajun seasoning for a punch of flavor. Want to kick up the taste? Consider adding cooked sausage or shrimp. These proteins pair well with the Cajun spice. You can also toss in some spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the taste even more. While penne works great, feel free to use other pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle can add fun shapes to your meal. If you prefer whole grain, try whole wheat penne for a healthier option. For a gluten-free choice, use rice or quinoa pasta. Each type brings its own twist to this creamy dish. To store your creamy Cajun chicken pasta, let it cool first. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, use a microwave or a pot. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to heat evenly. If using a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Heat over low until warm, stirring often. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will last in the freezer for about two months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat. Yes, you can! This dish works well with shrimp or turkey. You can even try sausage for a smoky flavor. Just adjust the cooking time. Cook shrimp until pink, or turkey until browned. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half. You can also mix milk with cornstarch for thickness. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free choice too. Just remember, these swaps may change the dish's taste. To go gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and useful tips for making a delicious dish. It included variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can always tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you want it spicy or prefer a vegetarian option, it's all possible. Don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and enjoy your cooking journey. With these steps, you can impress anyone at your dinner table.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavors of a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy dish bursting with Cajun spices, tender chicken, and fresh veggies. This recipe makes for a quick and satisfying meal. Click through to get the full instructions and treat your family to a delightful culinary experience!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning and add it to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

      Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

        In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

          Stir in the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

            Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

              Once boiling, add the penne pasta, stirring to combine.

                Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook pasta according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.

                  Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.

                    Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

                      Season with salt and pepper to taste.

                        - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For added flair, serve with a crusty piece of garlic bread on the side.