On busy evenings when the day’s demands leave little time for elaborate cooking, One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta becomes my go-to solution for a satisfying family meal. The bold Cajun seasoning infuses tender chicken pieces with smoky heat. Meanwhile, the creamy sauce clings to fettuccine and crisp red bell peppers for a comforting bite. Everything simmers together in a single pot. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle.
This recipe fits seamlessly into hectic schedules. It takes just 40 minutes from start to finish. Also, leftovers store easily in the fridge for up to two days. This makes it ideal for packing lunches. What draws people in is the balance of spice and creaminess. It keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Win: This one-pot dish comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy moms juggling schedules.
- Flavorful Comfort: Cajun spices add a smoky kick to creamy pasta. They create a cozy meal that feels indulgent yet simple.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven. This saves time on dishes after dinner.
- Family Favorite: The tender chicken and vibrant peppers appeal to all ages. Plus, you can adjust spice for milder tastes.
Easy One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
An easy one-pot meal featuring creamy fettuccine pasta with Cajun-seasoned chicken, garlic, red bell peppers, and heavy cream for a flavorful, comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 20 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked fettuccine pasta, broken in half
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Cooking spray
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven or large pot with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the hot pot along with the chopped garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink and is nicely browned.
- Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the pepper starts to become crisp-tender.
- Remove the chicken and bell pepper mixture from the pot and transfer it to a serving platter. Cover to keep warm while you prepare the pasta.
- Pour the chicken broth into the same Dutch oven and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the broken fettuccine pasta to the boiling broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Return the cooked chicken and bell pepper mixture to the pot with the pasta. Stir in the heavy cream. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the dish is thoroughly heated through and the sauce is wonderfully creamy.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium Cajun seasoning to reduce overall salt content.
- This recipe is best served fresh; leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for spice level.
Ingredients to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
These ingredients blend seamlessly for a dish that’s both spicy and soothing. The Cajun seasoning provides depth. Meanwhile, heavy cream ensures a velvety texture. Opting for fresh, high-quality items like garlic and bell peppers elevates the overall flavor. It makes every bite more vibrant.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – provides lean protein that absorbs the Cajun flavors beautifully. Swap for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Garlic – adds aromatic depth to the chicken as it cooks. Use fresh cloves for the best punch.
- Cajun seasoning – brings smoky heat and complexity. Choose low-sodium to control salt levels.
- Red bell pepper – offers crisp sweetness and color contrast. Substitute green for a milder option.
- Chicken broth – forms the base for cooking the pasta. It infuses it with savory notes.
- Fettuccine pasta – the sturdy strands hold up well to the creamy sauce. Break in half for easier stirring.
- Heavy whipping cream – creates the rich, silky sauce that ties everything together.
- Cooking spray – prevents sticking in the pot for easy browning.
- Fresh parsley – optional garnish for a bright, herby finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – optional topping to add nutty, salty contrast.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and cook the chicken
Spray a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces, chopped garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Stir frequently for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken browns and is no longer pink. This step builds the flavorful base for the dish.
Step 2: Add the bell pepper
Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to become crisp-tender. The peppers add a fresh crunch that balances the richness. Also, keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Remove the mixture
Transfer the cooked chicken and bell pepper to a serving platter and cover to keep warm. This allows you to focus on the pasta without overcooking the proteins. Set aside while proceeding.
Step 4: Boil the broth
Pour the chicken broth into the same pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. The broth will serve as the cooking liquid for the pasta. It absorbs all the pan flavors. Watch closely to avoid boiling over.
Step 5: Cook the pasta
Add the broken fettuccine to the boiling broth and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until tender and most liquid is absorbed. This one-pot method infuses the pasta with savory essence. Also, test for doneness to ensure it’s al dente.
Step 6: Combine and cream the sauce
Return the chicken and bell pepper mixture to the pot with the pasta, then stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Do this until heated through and the sauce turns creamy. The cream binds everything for a cohesive dish.
Step 7: Serve the pasta
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors right away. This final step highlights the dish’s fresh appeal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose Low-Sodium Seasoning: Opt for low-sodium Cajun blend to keep the dish balanced without excess salt. This enhances natural flavors.
- Adjust Spice Level: Taste the seasoning before adding and tweak to your preference. Make it for a milder or bolder kick that suits the family.
- Stir Frequently: Keep moving the chicken and pasta to ensure even cooking. This prevents sticking in the pot.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy right away for the best creamy texture. The sauce thickens upon standing.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
I love topping this pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green color and herbal freshness. It cuts through the creaminess. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty sharpness. It melts slightly into the warm sauce. These simple touches make each bowl feel more special without extra effort.
Side Dishes
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This balances the richness with bright, tangy notes. Garlic bread on the side provides a chewy contrast that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and a tender crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the pasta into shallow bowls for an inviting, family-style presentation. It highlights the golden cream and red peppers. Twirl portions onto plates with a fork for an elegant twist. Garnish the center with extra cheese. This cozy dish shines when served rustic on a wooden board for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any remaining One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two days. The flavors meld nicely overnight. However, the sauce may thicken slightly. Just give it a quick stir before enjoying.
Freezing
While best fresh, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to a month if needed. Thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture. The cream-based sauce can separate otherwise. Portion into single servings for easy access during busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Stir until hot and creamy again. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between to prevent drying. This keeps the pasta tender without overcooking the chicken.
