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Cooking this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is fun and simple. Here’s what you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 8 ounces penne pasta - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The olive oil adds richness, while the Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick. Diced chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender. Bell pepper, onion, and garlic create a sweet and savory base. Penne pasta holds onto the creamy sauce well. Chicken broth adds depth, and heavy cream brings smoothness. Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright touch. Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more fun! To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. I like to season 1 pound of diced chicken breast with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sauté it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown. When done, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, it’s time to add flavor. Toss in 1 diced bell pepper, 1 small finely chopped onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft. Softer veggies give the dish a rich taste. Now, add 8 ounces of penne pasta and 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Stir it well to mix. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After the pasta is al dente, add 1 cup of heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix everything well. Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth. Taste your dish and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. To keep your sauce smooth, avoid boiling the cream. Instead, add it after the pasta is tender. Stir gently to mix it in well. Use high-quality heavy cream for the best results. When adding cheese, do it slowly. This helps it melt evenly without clumping. Grate the cheese fresh for a creamier texture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted before serving. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. These spices boost the Cajun taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also work well. They add a nice touch to your dish. If you like it spicier, increase the Cajun seasoning. Start with a little more and taste as you go. This way, you can find the right heat for your palate. A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this dish. It allows even cooking and prevents burning. A heavy-bottomed pot works best for heat distribution. Use a wooden spoon for stirring. It won’t scratch your pot and helps mix the sauce well. A ladle is great for serving; it makes portioning easy and neat. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type if you want. Try fusilli or farfalle for fun shapes. They cook well and hold sauce nicely. For protein, chicken is great, but shrimp works too. Just add it later so it doesn’t overcook. You can also use sausage for a richer flavor. Just slice it and cook it like the chicken. To make this dish gluten-free, swap penne for a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time. If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream. Nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a vegetarian twist, add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. To keep your creamy Cajun chicken pasta fresh, use these tips: - Refrigerating: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They last about 3 to 4 days. - Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. This dish can last up to 2 months. - Best containers: Use glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. They help keep the food fresh and tasty. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, follow these steps: - Reheating: Use a pot over low heat. Stir gently to avoid sticking. This keeps the pasta creamy. - What to add: If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps restore the dish’s creamy texture. Yes, you can use other pasta types! Try fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. These shapes hold sauce well. Just adjust cooking time slightly. For example, thinner pasta like spaghetti cooks faster. Keep an eye on the pot while cooking. Absolutely! This pasta dish works great for meal prep. It lasts in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time. Dice the chicken and chop the veggies a day before. You can also cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it down before storing. When ready to eat, just reheat and add cheese and cream for that creamy finish. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish. We explored sautéing chicken with Cajun seasoning and cooking tender vegetables. You learned how to blend pasta with creamy sauce and adjust flavors. I shared tips for swapping ingredients and storage advice. Remember, you can make this dish your own. Experiment with different proteins or pasta types. Enjoy your cooking journey, and trust that you can create something delicious!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Discover a flavor-packed dish with this Spicy Cajun Delight: One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and creamy sauce for a meal that’s sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip up this hearty pasta in just 30 minutes! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the South to your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, diced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces penne pasta

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

    Season the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

      In the same pot, add the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

        Add the penne pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover, allowing pasta to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

          When the pasta is al dente, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix well, then add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until creamy and smooth.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as desired.

              Turn off the heat and allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

                Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the pot for a rustic feel, or portion into bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley on top.