Some dinners feel like a hug in a bowl, and this is one of them. Creamy, smoky, a little spicy — this pasta pulls you in from the very first bite. The best part? All in one pot, minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t ask for much, just 30 minutes, a few pantry staples, and some chicken. By the time the pasta soaks up those zesty Cajun spices, you’ll know this is a keeper recipe.

What Makes Cajun Chicken Pasta So Good?

Cajun seasoning is pure magic — a mix of smoky paprika, herbs, garlic, and a cheeky kick of cayenne. Toss that with chicken, pasta, tomatoes, and cream, and you get a bold, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

It’s not just spicy, though. It’s layered — the savory chicken, the sweetness of onion, the tangy tomatoes, the richness of cream cheese. Every forkful feels different, yet the same comfort lingers throughout.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Spices: Smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt — this becomes your Cajun spice mix.
• Olive oil & butter: For depth, richness, and flavor-building.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Juicy cubes that soak up all those spices.
• Yellow onion: Sweetness to balance the heat.
• Penne pasta: Perfectly sized, so it cooks evenly right in the pot.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Smoky tang that elevates the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta as it simmers.
• Cream cheese: Lusciously creamy finish.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish that brings brightness.

Best Time to Serve This Dish

This pasta shines as a weeknight dinner — quick yet satisfying. It’s hearty, warm, and doesn’t need a dozen side dishes to feel complete.

It also works beautifully for a casual dinner with friends. Bring the skillet straight to the table, let everyone dig in, and it becomes part of the conversation — a dish that feels shared and generous.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Step 1: Make the Cajun Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. This blend is what sets the tone of the whole dish, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in the Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is properly coated in that fiery mix. Already, it starts smelling incredible.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet until sizzling. Drop the chicken in and let each side brown for a couple minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; it’ll finish cooking later.

Step 4: Add Onions

Throw in diced yellow onion. Stir and scrape the skillet so the sweet onion juices lift all those browned chicken bits into the sauce. Flavor is hiding there — grab it!

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Time for the pasta to join the party. Add dry penne, canned fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Stir, cover, and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Let It Cook

Once bubbling, lower the heat and let the pasta simmer about 10 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes so it doesn’t stick. By the end, the pasta softens and the broth turns into a glossy, spicy sauce.

Step 7: Make It Creamy

Add chunks of cream cheese and stir until melted. The sharp bite of spice softens into this velvety richness. Top it all with green onion slices, and it’s ready to serve!

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken breast? Chicken thighs work beautifully, even adding more flavor. If you’re vegetarian, sauté mushrooms and bell peppers instead, and you’ve got a hearty swap that still tastes amazing.

No cream cheese? Heavy cream, half-and-half, or even an unsweetened oat cream can give it richness. For a lighter version, skip the creaminess altogether and enjoy a brothy, spicy pasta.

Tips

• Adjust heat wisely: Love spice? Add extra cayenne. More cautious? Cut it in half or skip it. Cajun doesn’t mean blisteringly hot — it’s about smoky warmth balanced with flavor.
• Let it rest: A few minutes off heat lets the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta like a blanket. Don’t rush straight to serving.
• Make it fancy: Crispy bacon crumbles, parmesan, or even shrimp turn this into an over-the-top meal. A squeeze of lemon is another surprise twist that brightens the whole dish.

How to Store and Reheat

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually steep overnight, becoming deeper and even richer.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk before microwaving or warming on the stove. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from drying out.

Perfect Pairings with Cajun Chicken Pasta

This meal really can hold its own, but it shines brighter with a crisp green salad on the side. A Caesar salad or even a simple lemony arugula bowl works wonders against the cream.

Bread is another winner — garlic bread, cornbread, or even buttered dinner rolls to soak up the sauce. A chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade also balances the heat beautifully.

If you’re hosting, place this pasta at the center with a glass of wine on each side. It’s rustic, charming, and oh-so-comforting without trying too hard.

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is more than an easy dinner — it’s a playful balance of spice and cream, of comfort and quick cooking. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or a casual Saturday night with friends, it always fits. And truth be told, it might just end up in your regular rotation.

Print Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Author: katie Smith Cooking Method: Sautéing Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 9.88 Calories: 520

Best Season: Fall, Winter, year-round

Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a weeknight lifesaver! Tender chicken, penne pasta, and onions simmer together in a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy tomato-cream sauce, all cooked in a single skillet. Infused with bold Cajun spices and finished with cream cheese for luxurious creaminess, this easy, family-friendly dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy nights and under $10 to make!

Ingredients

Servings

Cajun Seasoning

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

Chicken Pasta

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
• 1 Tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed into ½–¾ inch pieces)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• ½ lb penne pasta (uncooked; any short pasta works)
• 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 oz cream cheese (cut into small cubes; full-fat recommended)
• 3 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Cajun Seasoning

   In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
   Mark as complete

2. Season the Chicken

   Cube the chicken and place in a bowl. Pour the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
   Mark as complete

3. Sear the Chicken

   Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and butter is foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (chicken will finish cooking later). Remove from heat briefly if needed.
   Mark as complete

4. Sauté the Onion

   Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring, until softened. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Pasta & Liquids

   Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth. Mix until fully combined.
   Mark as complete

6. Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked

   Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
   Adjust heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer.
   Mark as complete

7. Add Cream Cheese

   Add cream cheese in small chunks to the skillet. Stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
   For a lighter version, substitute with ¼ cup heavy cream or ½ cup half-and-half.
   Mark as complete

8. Finish and Serve

   Remove from heat. Stir in half of the green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with remaining green onions.
   Great with a side Caesar salad or garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 1/4 of recipe

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 520kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Trans Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 95mg32%

Sodium 850mg36%

Potassium 780mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 48g16%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 6g

Protein 34g68%

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Calcium 60 mg

Iron 2.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Adjust the heat: Control spiciness by reducing or omitting cayenne pepper.
• Creamy alternatives: Replace cream cheese with heavy cream, half-and-half, or dairy-free cream cheese.
• Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, or sausage instead of chicken breast.
• Add-ins: Boost flavor and texture with cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, spinach, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: Freeze before adding cream cheese for best texture. Thaw overnight and reheat gently, then stir in cream cheese.

Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, one pot chicken pasta, cajun pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, spicy pasta, budget meals, stovetop pasta