Description
This one-skillet Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the cleanup. By cooking the pasta directly in a savory broth with fire-roasted tomatoes and perfectly seasoned chicken, the sauce thickens naturally to a velvety finish. Infused with a bold, homemade Cajun spice blend, this dish delivers deep, southern-inspired flavors in under thirty minutes, ensuring a satisfying and comforting experience that is entirely free of alcohol or non-halal ingredients.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 lb penne pasta, dry
2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
15 oz fire-roasted tomatoes, with liquid
2 cups chicken broth
3 stems green onions, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun spice blend.
Rub the cubed chicken with the spice blend until thoroughly coated.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the chicken for two minutes per side until golden.
Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for two minutes, scraping up browned bits.
Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
Stir well, cover, and bring to a boil; then reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer covered for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot sauce. You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if desired. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg