Description
How to make one pot creamy Cajun chicken and cheddar pasta with tender chicken, bold spices, and melted cheese in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
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
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Finishing
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you prep vegetables – this helps the flavors penetrate.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta, stir well, and cook according to package directions until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened – don’t let it boil vigorously.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to pot and remove from heat. Gradually stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Don’t add cheese while pot is still on heat or it will become grainy and separate.
- Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties for creamier results.
- Adjust spice level by reducing cayenne pepper for milder heat or adding more for extra kick.
- Leftovers keep well for 4 days and flavors actually improve overnight in the refrigerator.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g