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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 medium onion - 1 bell pepper - 2 cloves garlic - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste For this creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta, you need a mix of simple and tasty ingredients. The main stars are the chicken and the Cajun seasoning, which packs a punch of flavor. The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless. This makes them easy to cook and eat. Next, you want to grab the penne pasta. It cooks nicely and holds onto the sauce well. Aromatics bring a deep flavor to your dish. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper should be fresh. They add sweetness and depth. Cherry tomatoes give a pop of color and sweetness too. For the liquids, chicken broth adds richness. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Finally, mozzarella cheese brings a cheesy goodness that ties everything together. Make sure you have salt and pepper on hand to taste. These will help enhance all the flavors in your dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to make this delightful dish! - Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning. - Set aside while preparing other ingredients. First, I grab my chicken breasts and cut them into small pieces. I sprinkle the Cajun seasoning all over the chicken. This mix adds a nice kick. After coating the chicken well, I set it aside. This gives the spices time to soak in while I work on the next steps. - Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil. - Cook until fragrant and softened. Next, I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add the diced onion and cook it for about three minutes. The onion starts to turn clear. Then, I toss in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. I stir them for another two minutes. The smell is amazing and fills the kitchen with flavor. - Add seasoned chicken and cook until browned. - Incorporate cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. - Stir in penne pasta and cover to simmer. Once my aromatics are ready, I add the seasoned chicken to the pot. I cook it for about five to seven minutes. I keep stirring until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Then, I toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. I scrape the bottom of the pot to get all the tasty bits. I let this mix come to a boil, then I add the penne pasta. I reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes. I stir occasionally till the pasta is just right. - Lower heat and add heavy cream and mozzarella. - Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Now comes the fun part! I lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream along with the shredded mozzarella cheese. I stir this mix until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy. This is where the dish gets its rich texture. I taste and season it with salt and pepper. - Season with salt and pepper. - Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Finally, I take the pot off the heat. I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for some color and flavor. This adds a nice touch to the dish. Now, my creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta is ready to serve. Enjoy every bit of this delightful dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above! - Use a large pot to prevent overflow. - Stir occasionally to avoid pasta sticking. When cooking your creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta, the right pot is key. A large pot helps hold all the ingredients without spilling. Keeping an eye on the pot and stirring helps the pasta cook evenly. This also prevents it from sticking together. - Add extra spices or hot sauce for added heat. - Incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Want more flavor? Try adding extra spices or a splash of hot sauce. This adds a nice kick to your dish. You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. These ingredients blend well with the creamy sauce and Cajun spices. - Serve with garlic bread or a side salad. - Consider pairing with a light white wine. For a complete meal, serve your creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta with garlic bread or a fresh side salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you enjoy wine, a light white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish. It balances the spice and adds to the dining experience. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. For a twist, substitute chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Sausage brings a hearty taste and can be spicy or mild, depending on your choice. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu. Press the tofu to remove extra water, then sauté it until golden and crispy. This adds a nice texture and absorbs the Cajun flavors well. Making this dish vegan is simple. Substitute heavy cream with cashew cream. To make cashew cream, blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This gives a rich, creamy texture. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s a great way to keep your dish delicious and plant-based. If you need a gluten-free version, replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer options that cook up nicely. Just make sure to check the package for cooking times, as they may differ. Additionally, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Some brands contain gluten, so it's wise to read labels. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy one pot Cajun chicken pasta delight! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container. For the best taste, enjoy them within 3-4 days. Keeping your food fresh helps maintain its creamy Cajun flavor. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure it’s cool before you pack it. When ready to eat, thaw it completely. This way, you keep the taste and texture. To reheat, use the stovetop and add a splash of broth. This keeps it creamy and moist. I suggest avoiding the microwave to prevent a rubbery texture. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It often includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture gives a rich, spicy flavor to dishes. You can find pre-made Cajun seasoning in stores. You can also make your own at home. Just mix the spices you like! Yes, you can use different pasta types! Penne works great, but you can try rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each type gives a unique twist to the dish. Choose what you have on hand or what you like best. To lower calories, reduce the cream and cheese. Use half the heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Swap mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese. You can also add more veggies to fill up your plate. This keeps the meal satisfying without extra calories. Adjusting spice is easy! If you like it hot, add more Cajun seasoning. For less heat, cut back on the seasoning. Taste as you go. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to cool it down. Yes, you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop your veggies and dice the chicken the day before. Cook everything right before serving. This way, you save time and enjoy a fresh meal. If you want to make it in advance, just store it in the fridge. Enjoy the full recipe for specific steps! This dish is simple and full of flavor. You learned about the key ingredients, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Cajun Chicken Pasta is easy to make and enjoy. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Whether you choose chicken, shrimp, or a vegan option, this meal will impress. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Dive in and savor each bite of your delicious creation!

Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Savor the flavor of Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with this easy recipe that packs a spicy punch! Perfect for busy nights, this dish combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy sauce all in one pot for minimal cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal that's bursting with flavor.
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until well-coated. Set aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

      Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

        Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavor bits. Bring to a boil.

          Incorporate Pasta: Once boiling, add the penne pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

            Make it Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine!

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