If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that brings together creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors in one effortless cook-up, then this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Rich and full of that signature Cajun kick, it combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce, all made in a single pot. It’s not just delicious; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights that crave a touch of gourmet without the fuss. Ready to dive into a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s as quick as it is indulgent? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients are the heart of this One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish truly shine without any culinary gymnastics.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps sauté the aromatics beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Enhances the sauté process with a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and depth that balances the Cajun spices.
- Chicken breasts (2, cut into bite-size pieces): Provides tender, juicy protein that’s the recipe’s centerpiece.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/4 cup, chopped): Lend a chewy texture and bursts of concentrated tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth (1 can, 10 fluid ounces): Forms a savory base that infuses the pasta while it cooks.
- Heavy or whipping cream (1 cup): Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- Water (3 cups): Essential for cooking the pasta perfectly inside the pot.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tablespoons, salt-free preferred): Packs the bold, spicy flavor that defines this dish.
- Garlic (1-2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that complements the other spices.
- Uncooked fusilli pasta (3 cups): Its spiral shape holds the sauce beautifully, delivering flavor with each twirl.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Enhances the creaminess with a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh basil leaves (6, chopped): Introduces a bright, herbal freshness to the finished dish.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Heat Olive Oil
Start by adding the butter and olive oil to a fairly large pot over medium-high heat. This combination not only adds richness but creates the perfect medium for softening your aromatics without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Next, toss in the chopped onion and let it sauté for about five minutes. You’ll want to stir every now and then to ensure they become tender and slightly caramelized, which brings out a natural sweetness that balances the heat later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the onions do their thing, prepare your chicken breasts by cutting them into bite-sized strips and trimming any excess fat or gristle. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes until their outside turns white. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates a nice base flavor.
Step 4: Add the Flavorful Liquids and Spices
Now, it’s time to pour in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, water, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and uncooked fusilli pasta. Give everything a good stir, then crank the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high or a bit lower so it gently simmers.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Reduce Sauce
Let the pasta cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. This step is where alchemy happens as the pasta soaks up the spicy, creamy sauce and the liquid reduces to your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Basil
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce luscious, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil leaves. These final touches elevate the dish with nutty, savory notes and a fresh, herbal pop that’s irresistible.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle a little extra parmesan and more fresh basil or even some chopped green onions. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a charming touch of visual and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a hearty main, but you can complement it beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or cheesy biscuits are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful ingredients. Adding a small ramekin of extra Cajun seasoning on the side invites guests to customize their spice level, making it fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce over time, so it may be thickened when cold but just reheat and add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezing
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but for best results, freeze without the basil and parmesan. Portion out and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir often so the pasta heats evenly and stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is great for holding sauce, penne, rotini, or even rigatoni would also work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, dried oregano, and thyme. Adjust the heat level to your preference for a personalized kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The Cajun spices and creamy sauce will still deliver a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a noticeable Cajun heat, but it’s generally moderate and can be toned down by reducing the Cajun seasoning or choosing a milder spice blend. Add spicy elements gradually and taste as you go!
Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with light cream or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. To improve texture, consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress while being incredibly easy to pull together. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with that Cajun zest we all crave. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your rotation. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A flavorful and creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fusilli pasta in a spicy Cajun-seasoned cream sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a single pot for a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 6 leaves fresh basil (chopped)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use a salt-free one)
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
Instructions
- Heat fat in pot: Add the butter and olive oil to a fairly large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
- Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing it to soften and lightly brown for added flavor.
- Cook chicken: While the onion cooks, cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and trim any excess fat. Add chicken to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes until the outsides turn white, indicating they’re partially cooked.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, water, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and fusilli pasta into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Boil and simmer pasta: Increase heat to high until the mixture boils, then reduce heat to medium-high or lower for a gentle boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Finish with cheese and basil: Stir in parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving to add creaminess and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Use salt-free Cajun seasoning to control sodium levels.
- Adjust the amount of garlic depending on your taste preference.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
