There's nothing quite like the rich, smoky aroma of Cajun spices filling your kitchen. This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The tender chicken, hearty pasta, and bold seasoning create a meal that will have your family scraping their plates clean.
The first time I made this dish, I was experimenting with a new spice blend, and it quickly became a household favorite. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it's an all-in-one dinner that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!
Why You'll Love This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Get ready to embrace your new go-to dinner! This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a meal—simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
First off, it’s a one-pot wonder. That means fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it all comes together in just one pan.
The Cajun seasoning is the star of this dish. With its smoky heat and subtle hints of garlic and herbs, it elevates every bite. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something milder, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.
And let’s not forget the creamy sauce! The combination of tender pasta and silky cream creates the perfect texture, making this dish irresistible. It’s rich without being overly heavy, striking the perfect balance.
Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or even make it vegetarian. Whatever you choose, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Here's a closer look at what you'll need and why each ingredient is essential.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. They cook quickly and soak up the Cajun spices, becoming tender and flavorful. Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Cajun Seasoning: This bold spice blend is the heart of the dish. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. You can use store-bought or create your own at home for maximum flavor control.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal, as their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce. Cooking the pasta in the same pot with the sauce ensures it absorbs all the flavors, making every bite delicious.
Cream: Heavy cream or a combination of cream and milk creates a luscious sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works too, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch, balancing the heat of the Cajun spices. You can also include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added variety.
Chicken Broth: Cooking the pasta in broth instead of water infuses it with even more flavor. Low-sodium broth is a great choice to control the salt level.
Before you start, grab a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to make cooking and cleanup a breeze. A wooden spoon and sharp knife will also come in handy for prepping and stirring.
How To Make This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Cajun seasoning. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips, and mince some fresh garlic for extra depth of flavor.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Using the same pan, sauté the bell peppers and onions in the flavorful drippings left from the chicken. Let them soften for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and pick up all those delicious browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the pasta directly into the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Let everything warm through for a few minutes. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare with this dish!), storing them is simple. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to the pasta to help revive the sauce. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
This dish also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this recipe means you can easily make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp or a mix of seafood. Add it toward the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Prefer a vegetarian option? Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Looking to reduce the heat? Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the cayenne pepper in your homemade blend. A splash of lemon juice can also help tone down the spice.
Want to amp up the creaminess? Stir in some cream cheese or mascarpone just before serving for an extra luxurious sauce.
Experiment with different pasta shapes or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure perfect texture.
No matter how you customize it, this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is sure to delight your taste buds and become a regular on your dinner table.
PrintOne Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors. With tender chicken, flavorful Cajun spices, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is easy to make and comes together in just one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty and satisfying meal is a must-try for pasta lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Add penne pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
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