Description
How to make creamy one pot Cajun buffalo chicken pasta with tender chicken and bold spices that brings restaurant flavors to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Creamy Sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb those bold flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Add diced onion to the same pot with chicken drippings. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up those flavorful bits.
- Add Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions, stirring occasionally.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy throughout.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to pot and add cheddar cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes more.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest 2 minutes to thicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta since it continues cooking in the creamy sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Adjust spice level by reducing cayenne pepper for milder taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content better.
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smoothest sauce.
- Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick during cooking.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g