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Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot pasta recipe is loaded with tender chunks of chicken in a Cajun cream sauce. We love how everything cooks in one pot with minimal prep and clean up.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 530kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 medium sweet onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes drained
  • 3/4 cups half and half
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach rinsed and dried

Instructions

  • Chop the chicken into 1 inch pieces.
  • Heat a 12 inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter to melt. Stir to coat the pan.
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the onion and pepper to the pan and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the penne, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and half and half. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover the pot.
  • Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
  • Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese to melt.
  • Stir in the spinach. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to wilt spinach.
  • Stir well before serving.

Video

Notes

Some brands of Cajun seasoning are spicier and saltier than others. We used Tony Chachere's seasoning, which is quite salty and has a nice kick to it. If you're using a less salty seasoning, add salt to taste. For more spice, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. 
We prefer chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will also work well in this dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 708mg | Potassium: 1080mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 5435IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg