One Pot Cajun Pasta: A Delicious 25-Minute Meal

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One Pot Cajun Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine into your home kitchen. Made with seasoned chicken in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, it’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. This easy dinner recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy nights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at cooking for the first time, this one pot wonder will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cajun Pasta

There are countless reasons to love this easy one pot Cajun pasta recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, clocking in at just 25 minutes. This makes it perfect for one pot Cajun pasta for busy nights. Secondly, the creamy sauce combined with the bold spices creates a comforting flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s also versatile: you can easily modify it for different dietary needs, such as one pot vegetarian Cajun pasta or one pot Cajun pasta with sausage. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, allowing you to make a large batch ahead of time! Finally, this dish is a family favorite, satisfying both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients for One Pot Cajun Pasta

Gather these items:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (divided)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion (minced)
1 large sweet bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange) (seeded and diced)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
8 ounces rotini pasta (½ box)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into cubes)
green onions (for serving)

How to Make One Pot Cajun Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle the cubed chicken with ½ tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning and toss to evenly coat.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for a couple of minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds just to toast.
Step 4: Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the pan and stir to combine, while scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the saucepan. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Once boiling, remove the lid, add in the pasta, and turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, removing the lid to stir every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. If you notice the liquid evaporating before the pasta is tender, lower the heat and add additional chicken stock ¼ cup at a time as needed.
Step 6: Remove the lid, add in cream cheese, and stir into pasta. Continue to cook the pasta uncovered, stirring often, until the cream cheese has melted and the pasta has finished cooking about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pot Cajun Pasta

Keep these in mind:

Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the sodium content.
Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables to make a one pot Cajun pasta with vegetables.
For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
This dish is perfect for one pot creamy Cajun pasta, so don’t skip the cream cheese.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Cajun Pasta

This Cajun pasta dinner in one pot is best served hot right after cooking. You can also pair it with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Cajun Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is great for one pot Cajun pasta meal prep as it can be stored for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it looks dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Cajun Pasta

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Cajun Pasta?

The secret lies in the seasoning! Make sure to coat the chicken well with Cajun seasoning and let it caramelize for that deep flavor. This creates a delicious base for your one pot spicy Cajun pasta.

Can I make One Pot Cajun Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. This makes it easy to whip up a quick Cajun pasta in one pot on those busy nights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Cajun Pasta?

Common mistakes include adding too much liquid or not stirring the pasta enough while it cooks. Always keep an eye on the liquid level and adjust as needed to ensure a perfect Cajun chicken pasta in one pot.

Variations of One Pot Cajun Pasta You Can Try

There are many ways to customize your one pot Cajun pasta. You can make it with shrimp for a delightful twist, or substitute chicken with sausage for a heartier dish. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add extra veggies or beans for protein.

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta or Creamy Garlic Crab Stuffed Pasta. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit One Pot Cassoulet Recipe for inspiration.