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–+ servings

One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A creamy, spicy one-pot meal with tender chicken, bell peppers, and penne pasta, all in a rich Cajun sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small red onion about 5-6 oz, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream divided (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup)
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Add them to the pot in a single layer.
  3. Cook until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until cooked through, about 3 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  4. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the same pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the bell peppers and onion for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the penne pasta.
  6. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is almost tender, about 12 to 13 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking until the pasta is just tender and the sauce has thickened, about 1 minute longer.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Notes

For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it won't be as thick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk. To make ahead, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine just before serving. Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the hot sauce. Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

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