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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: Creamy & Spicy

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: Creamy & Spicy

A quick and flavorful one-pot meal featuring seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and pasta in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce, all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Calories: 785

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g chicken breasts cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper deseeded and sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper deseeded and sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 800 ml chicken stock
  • 300 g dried penne or fusilli pasta
  • 200 ml double cream
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning until it's evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or shallow casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and sliced peppers to the same pan (there's no need to clean it). Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they have softened and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and Add Liquids: Pour in a small splash of the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon—this is where so much of the flavour is! Add the rest of the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir it every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the double cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and let it warm through for a minute or two. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with the freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. For a richer sauce, you can add more Parmesan cheese. Ensure you stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking.