Go Back Email Link

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

A quick one‑pot dinner that combines backyard Cajun flavors with a silky cream cheese sauce. This busy‑night meal uses pantry staples and cooks in about 30 minutes, yielding a comforting, slightly spicy pasta perfect for family meals or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe for Later
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large deep skillet with lid
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

Cajun Seasoning:

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Chicken Pasta:

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes including juices
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks
  • 3 green onions sliced

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients and have equipment ready.

Cajun Seasoning:

  • Stir together smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until evenly combined.
  • Trim and dice the chicken into 1/2–3/4-inch pieces, place in a bowl, sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken, and toss to coat each piece thoroughly.

Chicken Pasta:

  • Heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the pan is very hot and the butter is foaming.
  • Add the seasoned chicken and sear for a couple of minutes per side just until the exterior develops color; it does not need to be fully cooked through yet.
  • Stir in the diced yellow onion and cook about 2 minutes until it softens and releases moisture, using that liquid to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the penne, the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and the chicken broth; stir to combine, cover with a lid, and bring the liquid up to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a saucy consistency.
  • Drop the cream cheese into the skillet in pieces and stir until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.