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To make this dish, gather these key ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 2 cups chicken broth - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 green onion, sliced for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a rich flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick. The cream and cheese bring a smooth texture that makes each bite enjoyable. You can elevate the dish with these tasty add-ins: - 1 cup cooked shrimp for a seafood twist - 1 cup diced zucchini or squash for extra veggies - A handful of spinach for color and nutrients - A dash of hot sauce for those who love heat - Chopped bacon for a smoky flavor These options allow you to personalize your pasta. You can mix and match to suit your taste. If you have dietary needs or preferences, here are some swaps: - Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a lighter option. - Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version. - Opt for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. Making these changes can help you enjoy this dish no matter your diet. You can still savor the rich flavors of One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. For the full recipe, check out the link. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Next, season 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the pot until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add a diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 each of diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften. Pour in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and mix well. Now, add 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in 8 ounces of penne pasta along with the browned chicken. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. To finish, lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you use an Instant Pot, brown the chicken on the sauté setting. Then, follow the same steps but cook the pasta under high pressure for 4 minutes. Use a quick release method to finish. For slow cookers, brown the chicken first in a pan. Transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes. To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the pasta. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. Pasta should be al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. If you prefer softer pasta, you can cook it a bit longer. Just remember to check frequently! For the best results, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows it to thicken nicely. Enjoy your meal with a sprinkle of green onions and parsley for extra flair! When making One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until browned. If you overcook it, it can get dry and tough. Another mistake is under-seasoning the dish. Cajun seasoning is key, so don’t hold back. Make sure to stir the pasta often. This keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Also, remember to check the pasta for doneness. It should be al dente, which means it’s firm but not hard. Lastly, do not skip the heavy cream. It adds the creamy texture that makes this dish special. To kick up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half. Using less can help keep the flavors without the heat. You can also replace the cheddar cheese with a milder cheese like mozzarella. This will make the dish creamy but less spicy. Taste as you go to find the right balance for you. One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs well with a light salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette will balance the rich flavors. You can also serve it with garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables on the side. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. If you want a refreshing drink, pair it with iced tea or lemonade. These drinks will complement the spices nicely. For the full recipe, check out the One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Use hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. These add texture and flavor. You can still use the same spices. The Cajun seasoning brings a nice kick. Cook the veggies in olive oil until soft. Then, follow the same steps as the original recipe. The pasta will soak up all those great flavors. If you love seafood, add shrimp or scallops. Start by cooking the seafood in olive oil. Remove it once it’s cooked. Follow the main recipe, adding seafood back at the end. This way, the seafood stays tender. You can also use crab or crawfish for a unique twist. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure it cooks perfectly. For a creamy Cajun pasta bake, make the dish as usual. After mixing in the cheese, transfer it to a baking dish. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy top. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This gives you a crispy layer and creamy inside. Serve it hot for a comforting meal. You can find the full recipe for more details. To store your One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out the air before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta on the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth to help it stay moist. Stir frequently over low heat until warm. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze your pasta, do it as soon as it cools. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Cajun seasoning is a mix of spices. It often includes paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This blend gives dishes a bold and spicy flavor. It comes from Louisiana cooking. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own at home. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Each pasta shape has a different cooking time. Always check the package for directions. You can prepare the dish in advance. Cook everything, but leave out the cream and cheese. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, heat it up and add the cream and cheese. This keeps the sauce fresh and creamy. You can serve this dish with a simple salad. A green salad with a light dressing works well. Garlic bread is also a great side. It complements the pasta's rich flavors. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. It stores well in containers for lunch or dinner. Just remember to cool it before sealing. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Enjoy a tasty meal any day! For the full recipe, refer to the One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. In this article, we explored how to make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to perfect your dish. You can tweak flavors and even adapt it for dietary needs. Whether you want a creamy bake or a veggie option, there's a recipe for you. With proper storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this meal multiple times. Dive into your kitchen and make this flavorful dish today!

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the bold flavors of One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty Cajun seasoning for a meal that's both satisfying and delicious. With just one pot, you'll save time on cleanup while enjoying a hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Click through for the full recipe and make this flavorful dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

2 cups chicken broth

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 green onion, sliced for garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

    Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add them to the pot and 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 diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir to combine.

          Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

            Stir in the penne pasta and return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

              Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

                Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls topped with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for a hint of spice on top!