Cajun Chicken Pasta (One Pot)
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Quick and easy Cajun chicken pasta recipe, made with simple ingredients in one pot on stovetop. This 30 minute meal is comfort food, packed with Cajun seasoning.
This Cajun chicken pasta has delicious bold flavors just like my One Pot Cajun Chicken and Rice and this Cajun Chicken (One Pot). We are a family who does not like bland food and this is a hit every single time. It is the ultimate comfort food.
Table of contents
Key ingredients
- Spaghetti– Or whatever pasta you have on hand.
- Olive oil- This is used primarily for sauteing.
- Butter– Use unsalted for best results.
- Chicken breast- Be sure it is boneless and cut into cubes.
- Cajun seasoning- This is key for the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper- You can adjust per your preference.
- Lemon zest- Gives a little tangy undertone.
- Onion– Be sure it is chopped up fine.
- Red pepper- Adds color and spice.
- Garlic– It’s best if you use freshly minced.
- Alfredo sauce- You can also use heavy cream.
- Parmesan cheese– Brings in that cheesiness we all love.
Variations
- Add shrimp- Reduce the amount of chicken by half and replace the remaining amount with shrimp.
- Creamier version- Increase the amount of Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese. However, I feel like that dilutes the Cajun flavor. So, add more Cajun seasoning to offset any loss of flavor.
- Use sausage- Reduce the amount of chicken by half and replace the remaining amount with sliced sausage links.
- Healthy option- Use low fat cheese and low fat Alfredo sauce. Also, replace butter with olive oil.
- Stir fry– Toss in a variety of vegetables and cook together in a frying pan.
- Bake it- Cut chicken into small cubes and boil pasta. Spread out pasta in a large casserole dish then top it off with chicken and vegetables. Pour Alfredo sauce over everything, sprinkle lots of parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top, and until cheese is bubbly.
- I used only parmesan cheese- But you can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe.
How to make Cajun chicken pasta?
- Heat oil and butter– In a large nonstick pot.
- Add chicken and seasonings– Then cook until no longer pink.
- Mix in- Red peppers, onions, garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in- Alfredo sauce, parmesan cheese, and boiled pasta.
- Mix everything together– And you are done. Enjoy!
What to serve with creamy Cajun pasta?
Because this is considered a main dish, you will want a few side dishes to go alongside it, such as bread sticks, dinner rolls, salad, or garlic bread.
Tips for one pot cajun chicken pasta
- Prior to cooking– Cut the chicken really small because it mixes more evenly with the pasta and you get to enjoy it in every single bite.
- Either homemade or store-bought– Alfredo sauce can be used.
- Important– Make sure the Alfredo sauce you are using is plain and not seasoned with other herbs and spices.
- Any type of pasta can be used- Spaghetti, linguine, penne, elbow, shells e.t.c.
- Use unsalted butter– To prevent the meal from becoming too salty.
- Use a large nonstick pot– In order to prevent any sticking and burning.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning– Based on your preference.
- If using heavy cream- Cook over medium high heat until liquid is reduced and sauce thickens.
Recipe FAQs
Mix together the following ingredients:
2 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp onion powder
Cook chicken with Cajun seasoning until golden brown. Then, mix in Alfredo sauce and parmesan cheese and you are done.
I don’t recommend it with this recipe, because it would need to be heavily adjusted for it to work.
Storage
- Make ahead- 1-2 days in advance, make, store in a container in the fridge, then reheat.
- Refrigerate– Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze– Store in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
- Reheat– Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
More One Pot Pasta Recipes
- One Pot Basil Pesto Pasta
- One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
- One Pot Bacon Pasta
- One Pot Garlic Chicken Pasta
- One Pot Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 tbsp Butter, Unsalted
- 2 pounds Boneless chicken breast, Cut into very small cubes
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt, To taste
- Pepper , To taste
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
- 1/3 cup Onion, Finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Red pepper, Cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp Garlic , Finely minced
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce, Adjust according to your preference, OR heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in a large nonstick pot, as per box instructions. Drain water and keep aside.
- In the same pot, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon zest and saute everything until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add onion, red peppers, garlic and saute for about 1 minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic.
- Pour Alfredo sauce and cook until mixture is thick and creamy.
Note: If you are using heavy cream instead of Alfredo sauce, let it cook over medium high heat until liquid is reduced and sauce thickens. - Stir in parmesan cheese.
- Mix in boiled spaghetti and enjoy!
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- If you are not fond of Alfredo sauce, you can omit it completely and just mix in parmesan cheese and it will still taste great.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
This looks great, going to make it soon 🙂
Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of my favorite meals! I usually make it with penne but love the idea of spaghetti noodles! Will have to try that next time
I don’t like alfredo or parmesan, and didn’t have any cream, so I made the recipe without those components. It’s so good! I will definitely be making it again. Quick and easy.