30 Minutes One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Craving restaurant-quality pasta at home? This one pot Cajun chicken pasta delivers bold, spicy flavors with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sauce packed with Cajun spices come together in just one pan.

This recipe saves time and dishes while creating a satisfying meal that feeds the whole family. The combination of paprika, cayenne, and garlic creates an authentic Cajun flavor profile that transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Why This Recipe Works

One pot cooking means less mess and more flavor. The pasta cooks directly in the seasoned liquid, absorbing all those delicious Cajun spices. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the cream sauce brings everything together with the perfect amount of richness.

The key is timing. Each ingredient gets added at the right moment to ensure everything finishes cooking together. You’ll have perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a sauce that coats every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cajun Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning
Mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. This blend will season both the chicken and the sauce, creating layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Toss with half of the Cajun seasoning mixture. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Base
In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquid
Add uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, making sure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and be tender when done. If needed, add more broth or water during cooking.

Step 6: Finish the Dish
Return cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut pieces to similar sizes so they cook evenly. Remove them as soon as they’re done to prevent drying out.

Stir Regularly: One pot pasta needs attention to prevent sticking. Stir every few minutes, especially during the last half of cooking.

Control the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference. Start with less and add more if needed. You can always increase the spice level.

Choose the Right Pan: Use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. The pan needs enough room for the pasta to cook properly without overcrowding.

Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Add fresh thyme or oregano at the end for extra brightness. Dried herbs work fine, but fresh adds another layer of flavor.

Customization Options

Vegetable Additions: Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables with the onions and peppers. Delicate greens like spinach should go in during the last few minutes.

Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp, andouille sausage, or both for authentic Cajun flavors. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Dairy Alternatives: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Coconut milk works for dairy-free versions, though the flavor will change slightly.

Spice Level: Make it family-friendly by reducing or omitting the cayenne. For extra heat, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, which is normal. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

This dish tastes best fresh, but leftovers make a satisfying lunch or quick dinner. The flavors actually develop more after a day in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

One pot Cajun chicken pasta proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless cleanup. The bold Cajun flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken create a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in 30 minutes.

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The one pot method means you can have dinner on the table fast, with only one pan to wash afterward. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.