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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups chicken broth - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and black pepper to taste This recipe shines with its bold flavors. The chicken and Cajun seasoning bring heat. The bell peppers add crunch and color. You may have some of these items at home. Olive oil, salt, and pepper are must-haves. Also, keep chicken broth on hand for flavor. Diced tomatoes are a great base for the sauce. To make your dish pop, try fresh parsley. It adds a nice green touch. You can also sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning for more spice. These garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation. Cooking Chicken Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pot. Cook until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Sautéing Vegetables In the same pot, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 3 minutes. Next, add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peppers soften. Adding Pasta Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta into the pot and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Final Cooking Steps Once the pasta is al dente, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of frozen peas. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and heat through for 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve the pasta in deep bowls. Top it with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. You can also sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning for added flair. Enjoy your meal! Adjusting Spice Levels To make this dish just right, adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you love heat, add more spice. If you prefer less, start with one tablespoon. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Enhancing Creaminess For a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream. You can also use cream cheese or sour cream for a different texture. Stir it in after cooking the pasta for the best effect. Stirring for Uniform Cooking Stir the pasta well while it cooks. This helps prevent it from sticking together. A good stir ensures even cooking and that every bite is full of flavor. Using a Lid Effectively Cover the pot while the pasta cooks. This traps steam and helps the pasta cook faster. Just be sure to check and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste as you cook. Another error is overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. Lastly, don’t forget to let the flavors meld by simmering after adding cream and peas. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp. Just make sure to cook the shrimp until they turn pink. This keeps the dish light and tasty. A vegetarian version uses tofu instead of chicken. Press and cube the tofu, then brown it in olive oil. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Feel free to use different pasta types. You can try linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type brings a unique twist to the dish. For those avoiding dairy, choose a dairy-free cream substitute. Almond or coconut milk work well to keep it creamy. Want to boost flavor? Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach. They not only add color but also nutrition. You can also incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or thyme. A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper can kick up the heat. To keep your One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration Guidelines: Let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Freezing the Dish: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. To enjoy your pasta again, use these methods: - Best Methods to Reheat: The best way is to reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave, but stir it halfway through. - Tips for Maintaining Flavor: Add a bit more Cajun seasoning when reheating. This helps revive the bold flavors. Leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, aim to eat them within 2 months for the best taste. Always check for any off-smells or changes in texture before enjoying your leftovers. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free penne pasta. Check the Cajun seasoning to ensure it is gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but it's best to verify. To lower the spice level, use less Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon instead of two. You can also add more cream to balance the heat. Serve with a side of sour cream to cool the dish. Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work great in this dish. You can use fresh peas, diced zucchini, or chopped spinach. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking for best results. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it as usual, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A crusty piece of bread is great for dipping too. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty treat. In this post, we explored how to make One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. You learned about essential ingredients and pantry staples. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook this dish easily. We discussed tips to improve flavor and avoid mistakes. You also discovered tasty variations and storage methods. Remember, cooking should be fun! Use this guide to impress your family or friends. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Cajun pasta.

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavors of the South with this spicy one-pot Cajun chicken pasta that’s quick to make and packed with taste. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy sauce, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can delight your family with a meal that brings a bit of Cajun heat to your dinner table. Click through to get the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delicious creation!
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

4 cups chicken broth

8 oz penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

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

    Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

      In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and both diced bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Add the penne pasta into the pot. Stir well to combine, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

            Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, combining well. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and heat through for an additional 3-5 minutes.

              Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper to taste.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, topped with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for added flair!