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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half - 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) - 1 cup heavy cream - 12 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this recipe, we use fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavors. The chicken gives protein and heartiness, while the Cajun seasoning adds a warm kick. The garlic, onion, and bell pepper create a fragrant base. Cherry tomatoes give a juicy burst of flavor. Using low-sodium chicken broth ensures we control the salt level. Heavy cream makes the dish rich and creamy. Penne pasta cooks perfectly in one pot, soaking up all the savory goodness. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish, giving it a beautiful finish. Gather these ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal that your family will love. - Preparing the Chicken Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. - Adding Cajun Seasoning Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated for the best flavor. - Browning the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it's brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. - Incorporating Onion, Bell Pepper, and Garlic In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. This will soften the veggies and bring out their flavors. - Cooking the Cherry Tomatoes Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook them for another 2 minutes until they start to soften. - Boiling Chicken Broth Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to high. Wait until it starts to boil. - Adding Penne Pasta When the broth boils, add the penne pasta. Stir well to mix everything. - Simmering Process Cover the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta according to the package, usually 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. - Mixing in Cream and Parmesan When the pasta is done, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth. - Combining with Chicken Add the chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together well. - Final Seasoning and Garnishes Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it heat for 2-3 minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy! Recommended Cajun Seasoning Brands I love using brands like Tony Chachere's or Zatarain's for Cajun seasoning. They mix well and pack a punch. These brands bring out the best in your dish. You can easily find them in most grocery stores. Adjusting Spice Levels If you want less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning. You can start with one tablespoon instead of two. Add more later if you want. For a spicier kick, use a bit of cayenne pepper. It’s easy to adjust the flavors to your taste. Cooking Techniques for Creaminess To get a creamy sauce, stir the heavy cream in at low heat. This keeps it from curdling. Mix it well with the pasta and chicken. Let it heat for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Adding More Parmesan For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and thickens the sauce. I suggest using freshly grated cheese for the best taste. Just sprinkle in a bit more right before serving. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. If you choose sausage, slice it thin and cook it well before adding. This will change the taste, but it’s still delicious! For a meatless meal, replace chicken with extra veggies or tofu. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. You can boost the nutrition by adding more veggies. Try spinach, kale, or broccoli. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This method helps them stay bright and fresh! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli or farfalle work great, too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Check the package to make sure your pasta is cooked just right. - Refrigerating Tips: Once your dish cools, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to keep it longer, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about two months. Just make sure to label it with the date. - Best Methods for Reheating: The best way to reheat this meal is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. - Avoiding Clumpy Pasta: Be careful not to cook it too long. This can make the pasta sticky. Stirring in some liquid helps keep the pasta creamy and smooth. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook well. Make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten in other ingredients, like broth. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or coconut milk. Both options provide a creamy texture. You can also mix milk with cornstarch to thicken it. Cooking this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes. This includes prep time and cooking time. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it, then store it in the fridge for up to three days. You may need to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Cajun Chicken Pasta. We covered important ingredients like chicken, veggies, and cream. You learned key cooking steps, from browning chicken to simmering pasta. Tips for best flavor and texture helped enhance your dish. We explored variations for different tastes and offered storage advice. In the end, this dish is not just easy to make, but also fun to tweak! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing it with others. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that's a perfect weeknight dinner! With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy Parmesan sauce, this easy recipe combines all your favorites in one dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a hassle-free way to enjoy a hearty meal. Click through now to explore the recipe and elevate your dinner table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

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

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup heavy cream

12 ounces penne pasta

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large, deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the garlic is fragrant.

      Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

        Carefully pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the broth.

          Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the pasta according to package instructions—this typically takes around 10-12 minutes—stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            When the pasta is cooked al dente, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined with the pasta and vegetables.

              Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir everything together to combine. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

                Allow the dish to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s piping hot before serving.

                  Once ready, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm to enjoy the vibrant flavors!

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