You know what? Finding the perfect dinner routine can feel like a never ending quest. We all want meals that taste amazing but do not require hours of cleanup. That is exactly why I am so excited to share one of my absolute favorite Chicken And Pasta Recipes with you today.
Honestly, there is nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of pasta. When you combine tender chicken with a creamy and spicy sauce, magic happens. This dish has become a staple in my home because it checks every single box for a busy family.
If you have been hunting for Chicken And Pasta Dishes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, you have landed in the right place. This recipe brings the heat of Cajun spices together with the richness of heavy cream.
The best part is that everything cooks in just one pot. Yes, you heard that right. You cook the chicken, sauté the veggies, and even boil the pasta all in the same vessel. It makes cleanup a breeze.
Let me explain why this specific dish stands out among other Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas. It is versatile, budget friendly, and incredibly satisfying. You do not need fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, the convenience factor is huge. We all love Easy Chicken Dinner options that do not leave the kitchen looking like a disaster zone. Since this is a true one pot meal, you will have fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night.
Another reason to love this is the incredible flavor profile. The Cajun seasoning provides a wonderful kick that wakes up your taste buds. It is not just spicy for the sake of heat; it adds a depth of savory goodness that pairs perfectly with the cream.
This recipe is also highly customizable. If you are looking for versatile Pasta Dinner Ideas, this base recipe allows you to swap vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your family. It is a forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity.
Finally, it is fast. You can go from a cold stove to a hot dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. That speed is a lifesaver on those frantic weeknights when everyone is hungry and time is tight.
Many Chicken And Pasta Recipes require boiling water in a separate pot, but not this one. The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally as it cooks, creating a velvety texture that is hard to beat.
Ingredients
To make one of the tastiest Chicken And Pasta Recipes around, you will need a few simple ingredients. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips about 2 inches long
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips about 2 inches long
- 1 small (5 to 6 oz) red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (2 tsp)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 Tbsp water
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal. This is proof that Chicken And Pasta Recipes do not have to be complicated to be delicious.
Step 1: Sear The Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium to high heat. While the oil heats up, toss your chicken pieces with 1/2 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating of spices.
Add the chicken to the pot in a single layer. You want to hear that sizzle immediately. Cook the chicken until it is browned on the bottom, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
Turn the pieces over and continue to cook for another 3 minutes or until they are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a sheet of foil and wrap it up to keep it warm. This step ensures your Easy Chicken Dinner stays juicy.
Step 2: Sauté The Vegetables
Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Keep the heat at medium to high. Toss in your sliced bell peppers and red onion.
Sauté these veggies for about 3 minutes. You want them to start softening and picking up the browned bits left behind by the chicken. This builds the flavor foundation that makes Chicken And Pasta Recipes like this one so special.
Next, add the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté this mixture for just 1 minute longer. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you just want it to become fragrant.
Step 3: Create The Sauce Base
Now it is time to build the liquid. Pour in the chicken broth, the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (juices and all), and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine.
Bring this mixture to a boil. Watch it closely so it does not boil over. Once you see big bubbles, go ahead and add your uncooked penne pasta directly into the pot.
Step 4: Cook The Pasta
Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer. Cook the pasta, stirring frequently. This is important because stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Let it cook until the pasta is nearly tender, which should take about 12 to 13 minutes. The liquid will reduce as the pasta absorbs it, concentrating the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken And Finish
Mix your cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the pot and stir. Cook for about 1 minute longer until the pasta is just tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat. Now, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream, the shredded parmesan cheese, the fresh parsley, and the cooked chicken you set aside earlier.
Toss everything together until the cheese melts and the chicken is coated in sauce. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it warm and enjoy one of the best Chicken And Pasta Dishes you will ever make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is simple. This dish reheats surprisingly well for a cream based pasta, making it a great option for meal prep lunches.
Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit more as it sits in the cold.
To reheat, I recommend using the stove over low heat. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce up again. You can also use the microwave, stirring halfway through heating.
I generally do not recommend freezing this dish. Cream sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed, which can ruin the texture. It is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Tips
Making Chicken And Pasta Recipes is an art, but a few simple tips can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are a few things I have learned while making this recipe.
First, do not skip the cornstarch step. While the pasta starch helps, the cornstarch ensures that glossy, restaurant quality texture that clings to the penne perfectly.
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. Start with half the amount and add more to taste. You can always add spice, but you cannot take it out.
Feel free to swap the vegetables. Zucchini or mushrooms make excellent additions to Pasta Dinner Ideas like this. Just add them during the sauté step with the peppers.
Use freshly grated parmesan if possible. The pre packaged stuff often has anti clumping agents that can make your sauce gritty. Fresh cheese melts much smoother.
Finally, keep an eye on your liquid levels. If your heat is too high, the liquid might evaporate before the pasta is cooked. Just add a splash more broth if the pot looks too dry.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that proves Chicken And Pasta Recipes are the ultimate comfort food. This dish brings the family together without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Whether you are a beginner cook or just looking for new Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas, this Cajun pasta is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, crisp peppers, and creamy sauce is a winner every time.
Give this recipe a try this week. I bet it will quickly find a spot in your regular rotation. Cooking at home should be fun and rewarding, and this meal delivers on both fronts.
Do not forget to let me know how it turned out. I love hearing how you tweak Chicken And Pasta Recipes to make them your own. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, you absolutely can. Simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten free pasta. Just be aware that gluten free pasta can sometimes cook faster or release more starch, so keep an eye on the texture as it simmers.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Definitely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Chicken And Pasta Recipes. They are often juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them slightly. Just follow the same browning instructions.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
It has a kick, but it is not overwhelming for most adults. The heavy cream helps to mellow out the heat from the Cajun seasoning. If you are serving kids or sensitive eaters, just reduce the seasoning amount by half.
Can I Use Milk Instead Of Heavy Cream?
You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If you use milk, you might need to increase the cornstarch slightly to get the right thickness. Half and half is a good middle ground if you want to lighten it up.
Easy One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This quick and tasty one-pot Cajun chicken pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, and it all comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Add chicken to the pot in a single layer and cook until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to foil and wrap to keep warm.
- Add the remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil to the pot. Add bell peppers and red onion and sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic and the remaining 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, and sauté for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes (with juices), and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to a steady simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is nearly tender, about 12-13 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and the cooked chicken. Toss until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan if possible. It melts much smoother than pre-packaged varieties which can make the sauce gritty.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can always add more spice at the end, but you cannot take it out.
Keep an eye on your liquid levels while the pasta cooks. If the pot looks too dry before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth.
Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Add them to the pot along with the bell peppers.
Nutrition
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