This is the creamiest Cajun Chicken Pasta, made in one pot with bell peppers, chicken and Cajun seasoning – it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
This comforting dinner comes together so fast with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for a cozy and slow night at home.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and swap in your favourite veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work, but will increase the calorie count.
- Yellow onion – white onion or shallots can be used instead.
- Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best. Jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Cajun seasoning – use a store-bought blend or make your own homemade blend using paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme and cayenne pepper.
- Canned diced tomatoes – use fresh diced tomatoes or a can of whole peeled tomatoes instead.
- Chicken broth – vegetable broth would be the best substitute here.
- Scoobi do pasta – penne or rotini would also work. I don’t suggest a smaller pasta as it might overcook and get mushy.
- Green and red pepper – use any combination of colour bell peppers of your choice.
- Heavy cream – you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or 2% milk instead, but the pasta won’t be as creamy.
- Cilantro – leave this out altogether if you’re not a fan of cilantro or garnish with another fresh spice like parsley or basil.
How to make Cajun chicken pasta
Step 1: Cook the chicken.
Sauté until lightly cooked.
Step 2: Toss in onion, garlic and seasoning.
Add onion, garlic, Cajun spices, salt and pepper, and sauté.
Step 3: Add remaining ingredients.
Mix in the diced tomatoes, pasta and chicken broth. .
Step 4: Mix in cream and peppers.
Stir in the bell peppers and heavy cream. Garnish with cilantro and serve!
Recipe Variations
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is super customizable! Try out some of these different variations to make the dish your own:
- Vegetarian: Make this pasta vegetarian by leaving out the chicken (or substituting it for tofu), and swapping out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Protein: This pasta would also be delicious with shrimp, steak or turkey.
- Low-carb: Swap out the regular noodles for zucchini noodles. You don’t need to cook the zoodles in the sauce; just serve the sauce over them.
- Dairy-free: Use your favourite non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream. The pasta won’t be as creamy but it’ll still be delicious.
- Noodles: Instead of scoobi do noodles, use another variety of pasta like penne pasta or rotini. Gluten-free pasta would work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make my own Cajun seasoning?
Yes! it’s super easy to make homemade Cajun and contains spices you likely already have on hand. Use my Cajun seasoning recipe for this pasta and other dishes!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! To reduce spiciness, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a milder blend. For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or incorporate cayenne pepper.
What to serve with this dish
Here’s some sides to add balance and variety, making your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta meal complete!
- Garlic bread or warm, crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy Cajun sauce.
- A tangy coleslaw slaw balances the richness of the pasta.
- Fried veggies like these green bean fries or garlic parm brussel sprouts
- A crisp kale salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette adds freshness.
How to store and reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Sprinkle a little water over the pasta and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freeze: Freeze the pasta in airtight glass containers for up to 3 months, but leave out the heavy cream and bell peppers before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a pot on the stovetop. Stir in the heavy cream and bell peppers just before serving.
More one pot pasta recipes
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this Cajun Chicken Pasta into your weekly lunches, or if you’d like to freeze it for later!
- I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 (796mL) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb dry scoobi do, penne or rotini pasta
- 1 each green and red pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat olive oil in a large pot over med-high heat. Add chicken and saute for 2 min until lightly cooked. Add in onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper, sauteeing for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and pasta, then add chicken broth. Bring to a boil then let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove lid and stir in bell peppers and heavy cream, cooking another 2-3 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in cilantro, then serve and enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Vanessa says
Hi there! I’m planning on making this tonight. If I omit the tomatoes, will the flavor be effected?
Thanks!
Katie Didow says
Hi Vanessa! The tomatoes make up a big portion of the sauce so I do think the flavour (and the texture) will be quite different if you omit them.
Katy says
is it truly 1lb of pasta?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes. Why would it not be?
Nicole Donnelly says
The video looks like the can was of “crushed” tomatoes and not “diced” tomatoes, like the recipe shows. Can you please advise which one is used.
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Nicole – the video shows a can of finely diced tomatoes (there are different varieties at my local grocery store). It is a can of diced tomatoes, not crushed.
LS says
How many grams per serving approximately
Taylor Stinson says
I don’t provide servings by weight/cup unfortunately! You will need to take the number of servings listed and divide into portions. Each portion is a serving.
JDS says
Have you tried to adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot?
Taylor Stinson says
I make a very similar recipe in the Instant Pot actually: https://thegirlonbloor.com/instant-pot-chicken-fajita-pasta/
You could easily do this one in the Instant Pot too 🙂 Just dump all ingredients in the Instant Pot in order that they are listed, leaving out the peppers, cream and cilantro. Cook on high for 3 min, then do a quick release of the pressure. Stir in bell peppers, cream and cilantro and cover with lid, letting sit for 5-10 min. Should work out perfectly!