One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (One-Pan, 30 Minutes)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something rich, cozy, and just a little bit spicy, this One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight hero. It’s packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety Cajun-spiced sauce that clings to every bite—perfect for busy nights, date nights, or feeding a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• One pot means minimal dishes and maximum convenience for busy weeknights.
• Bold, smoky Cajun spices meet a silky, creamy sauce for ultimate comfort food vibes.
• Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry staples and fresh chicken.
• Customizable heat level; make it mild for the family or spicy for heat lovers.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches or meal prep.

Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (10–12 g), plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (3 g), or to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (14 g)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/120 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup/150 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp/9 g)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 12 oz (340 g) short pasta such as penne or rotini
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (600 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml), room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese (113 g), softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan (50 g), plus more for serving
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tbsp/15 ml)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Directions: Step-by-Step One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Prep and season the Cajun chicken (2 minutes)

   Pat the chicken dry. Toss with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

2. Sear the chicken for our creamy Cajun pasta (4–5 minutes)

   Heat a 5–6 qt Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. When shimmering, add chicken in a single layer; sear 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking later).

3. Soften veggies for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (3–4 minutes)

   Add onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Bloom spices to deepen Cajun pasta flavor (30 seconds)

   Sprinkle in smoked paprika and cayenne (if using). Stir 30 seconds to toast the spices in the fat for a richer, smokier sauce.

5. Add broth and pasta; simmer one-pot to al dente (10–12 minutes)

   Pour in chicken broth and bring to a lively simmer. Add pasta and stir well, scraping up browned bits. Reduce to medium heat and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring every 1–2 minutes, until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced by about half.

6. Return chicken; make it saucy and creamy (2–3 minutes)

   Return the seared chicken and any juices to the pot. Simmer 2 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

7. Stir in cream and cheeses for ultra-silky Cajun chicken pasta (2–3 minutes)

   Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and glossy, 2–3 minutes. If sauce seems thick, add 2–4 tbsp warm water or broth to loosen.

8. 

   Finish the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (1 minute)

   Turn off heat. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper. Garnish with green onions and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes for the Creamiest One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Cook chicken to a safe 165°F (74°C); an instant-read thermometer makes it easy. See official guidance here: FoodSafety.gov.
• Salt levels vary by Cajun seasoning brand—start light and adjust at the end to avoid oversalting.
• Starch is your friend: it helps the sauce cling. Learn why pasta water works wonders in creamy sauces at Serious Eats.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Variations

• Andouille & Shrimp: Swap half the chicken for sliced andouille sausage and add 8 oz (225 g) raw shrimp in the last 3 minutes of simmering.
• Lighter Fit: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and sub Neufchâtel for cream cheese; add extra broth as needed.
• Veggie-Loaded: Fold in 2 cups baby spinach and 1 cup cherry tomatoes in the final 2 minutes for color and freshness.

Required Equipment for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• 5–6 qt Dutch oven or deep, heavy skillet with lid
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Tongs and wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Instant-read thermometer
• Microplane or fine grater for Parmesan

Storage: How to Store One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge; sauce may separate slightly but comes back together when gently reheated.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50–60% power, stirring every 45 seconds. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen.

Serving & Pairings for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette to swipe up that luscious sauce.
• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus for a crisp-tender side.
• Wine pairing: unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or a chilled rosé.
• Non-alcoholic: iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with lime.

Pro Tips for One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Mind the heat with dairy: Add cream and cheeses over medium-low heat to prevent splitting and keep the sauce ultra-silky.
• Stir frequently: One-pot pastas love movement—stir every 1–2 minutes so pasta cooks evenly and releases starch for a glossy sauce. See a one-pot primer at The Kitchn.
• Balance the spice: Finish with lemon juice and extra Parmesan to round out heat and add brightness.

FAQ: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Add 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken in Step 6 and heat until warmed through before adding cream and cheeses.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni grip the creamy Cajun sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

How can I make it spicier (or milder)?

For more heat, add extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes in Step 4. To keep it mild, use a mild Cajun seasoning and skip the cayenne.