One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is just what you need! This yummy meal takes only 30 minutes to make and uses just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. You’ll love how the spicy Cajun seasoning pairs with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

The recipe is super easy to follow. You start by coating chicken cubes in a homemade Cajun spice mix. Then, you cook the chicken with onions in a skillet. Next, you add pasta, tomatoes, and broth to the same pot. Everything cooks together, soaking up all the flavors. At the end, you stir in some cream cheese for extra creaminess. It’s that simple!

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:
For the Cajun seasoning:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the pasta:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
- 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
You’ll love how these simple ingredients come together to make such a flavorful meal. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, while the cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy.
Instructions
Mix the Cajun spices in a small bowl. Chop the chicken into small cubes and coat with the spice mix.

Heat oil and butter in a large skillet. Cook the chicken for a few minutes until it browns on the outside.

Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Scrape any browned bits from the pan.

Put pasta, tomatoes, and broth in the skillet. Stir and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.



When pasta is tender, add cream cheese in chunks. Stir until melted into the sauce.

Top with sliced green onions and serve your tasty one-pot meal!

Tips:
- Use tongs to stir the pasta for easy mixing
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick seafood version

Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out some ingredients in this recipe if needed. Here are some easy substitutes:
- Chicken: Use boneless thighs or turkey breast instead
- Penne pasta: Try rotini, farfalle, or shells
- Yellow onion: Red onion or shallots work too
- Fire roasted tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes are fine
- Cream cheese: Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Green onions: Chives or parsley
For the spices, you can use a pre-made Cajun blend if you don’t have all the individual spices. Just use about 2 tablespoons.
No fresh herbs? Dried versions work in a pinch. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
Short on time? Buy pre-cut chicken or frozen veggies to speed things up. You can even use leftover cooked chicken – just add it near the end to heat through.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this Cajun chicken pasta more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. Use whole wheat penne instead of regular pasta. This adds fiber and slows down sugar absorption.
Cut the pasta amount in half and add more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. They’re low in carbs and high in nutrients.
Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. It’s lower in fat and adds protein. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Original | Diabetes-Friendly |
---|---|
White pasta | Whole wheat pasta |
1/2 lb pasta | 1/4 lb pasta + extra veggies |
Cream cheese | Greek yogurt |
Watch your portion size too. Stick to about 1 cup of the finished dish. Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Remember to check your blood sugar after trying this modified recipe. Everyone’s body reacts differently to foods.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best flavor, toast your spices before adding them to the chicken. This brings out their natural oils and enhances the taste.
You can adjust the spice level by changing the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.
Don’t overcook the chicken at the start. It will finish cooking as the pasta simmers.
Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. If it seems dry, add a splash more broth.
Try different pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. They hold the sauce well.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
For meal prep, divide into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Toss them in with the onions.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.