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- 12 oz penne pasta: This pasta holds the creamy sauce well. You can swap it for fusilli or rotini if needed. - 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use this for sautéing. You may use vegetable oil as a substitute. - 1 medium onion, diced: It adds sweetness and depth. Shallots can work in a pinch. - 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings flavor. You can use garlic powder for a milder taste. - 1 red bell pepper, diced: This adds color and sweetness. A yellow bell pepper is a nice swap. - 1 green bell pepper, diced: It gives a slight bitterness. You can replace it with zucchini or spinach. - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: This adds protein. Feel free to use cooked shrimp instead. - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This gives the dish its spicy kick. You can mix your own spices if needed. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It adds a smoky flavor. Regular paprika works if you lack smoked. - 2 cups chicken broth: This is the base for cooking pasta. Vegetable broth is a good option for vegetarian needs. - 1 cup heavy cream: It creates creaminess. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add freshness. Regular tomatoes, diced, are also fine. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives a rich taste. Try Monterey Jack for a different flavor. - Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning. Always adjust to your liking. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This adds a pop of color. Basil can be a nice alternative. Each ingredient plays a key role. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dish special. Use these substitutions based on what you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting with your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta! 1. Heat the oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step is key for flavor. 2. Cook the onions: Add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. You want the onion soft but not brown. 3. Add garlic: Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute until it smells great. 4. Sauté the peppers: Toss in 1 diced red bell pepper and 1 diced green bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes. The peppers should be tender at this point. 5. Incorporate chicken: Add 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken to the pot. You could swap this for 1 cup of cooked shrimp instead. 6. Spice it up: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir it well to coat the chicken and veggies. 7. Add broth and pasta: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a simmer. Add 12 oz of penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged. 8. Cook the pasta: Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth. 9. Cream it up: Lower the heat, and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mix this until everything is blended well. 10. Cheesy goodness: Gradually add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy sauce. 11. Season to taste: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. 12. Let it thicken: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps thicken the dish. For a fun twist, try using shrimp instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, use beans or mushrooms. Both will add great flavor! To get the perfect creamy texture, add heavy cream slowly. Stir well to mix it in. Use full-fat cream for the best results. It helps the dish stay rich and smooth. If you notice it’s too thick, add more chicken broth a little at a time. For adjusting spiciness levels, taste the dish as you go. Start with a small amount of Cajun seasoning. You can always add more later. If it's too spicy, add a bit of sugar or more cream. This can help balance the heat. Serve One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese also adds to the look and taste. For a side dish, crusty bread is a great choice. It pairs well and soaks up the creamy sauce. You can also serve a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. Try using sausage for a smoky flavor. Tofu is a great choice for a vegan option. It absorbs flavors well. You can also use shrimp or beef if you like. Each protein adds its unique twist. If you want to make it vegetarian, skip the meat entirely. Add extra bell peppers or mushrooms instead for a hearty meal. You can enhance the flavor with more spices or herbs. Consider adding cayenne pepper for heat. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the dish. For more veggies, toss in some spinach or zucchini. This dish is very flexible, allowing you to mix in what you love. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for a fresh finish. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth too. Experiment with these options to find your favorite blend. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. This dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, freeze the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. The best way to reheat is on the stove. Place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave. Put the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. If it seems dry, add a bit more cream or broth to revive that creamy goodness. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream to keep it creamy. If you lack Cajun seasoning, mix your own. Combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use equal parts to get a nice flavor. Adjust the spice to your taste. To spice it up, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, reduce the seasoning. You can also use less smoked paprika, which adds depth without too much heat. Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use any pasta shape. Fusilli or rotini will hold the sauce well. Just adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring you enjoy all the creamy flavors. This blog post outlined a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta recipe. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations with different proteins and flavors. I also shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Making this dish is easy and fun, whether you stick to the recipe or get creative. Enjoy cooking and savoring your meal!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

Savor the flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes! With tender penne, juicy chicken or shrimp, vibrant peppers, and rich cheddar cheese, this dish is a weeknight winner. Easy to make and deliciously creamy, it’s a hit for both family and friends. Click to discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this easy and delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or use cooked shrimp)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

    Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.

      Add the cooked chicken (or shrimp), Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika, stirring to combine with the vegetable mixture.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.

          Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.

            Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cherry tomatoes, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

              Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of cheese for a beautiful finish. A slice of crusty bread on the side completes the meal perfectly!