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One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Bring bold Cajun flavors to your dinner table with this creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, penne pasta, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce are all cooked in one pot for the ultimate easy dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, easy pasta recipes, comfort food, and flavorful food ideas with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • ¾ cup heavy cream, divided
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toss the chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the chicken. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining olive oil and cook the peppers and onion until softened.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and ½ cup heavy cream.
  6. Stir in the penne pasta and simmer until tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Return the chicken to the pot.
  8. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and remaining heavy cream until the sauce thickens.
  9. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  10. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking while it cooks.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce creamy.
  • Author: Emmy Carter

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