One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• •1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
• •2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
• •2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• •1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• •1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• •4 cloves garlic, minced
• •2.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• •14.5 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• •0.8 cup heavy cream
• •8 oz dry penne pasta
• •4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
• •0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• • to taste kosher salt
• •3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a light pinch of kosher salt until evenly coated.

2. 2

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the same pot. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir in the undrained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and uncooked penne pasta. Ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid.

5. 5

   Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reduced.

6. 6

   Remove the lid and reduce heat to low. Stir in the cubed softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated into a silky sauce.

7. 7

   Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the pot, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

8. 8

   Garnish with sliced scallions and extra Parmesan cheese before serving directly from the pot.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Control the heat level by choosing mild or hot Cajun seasoning blends, or by reducing the seasoning by half if you are sensitive to spice.
• 💡Stirring the pasta occasionally while covered is crucial in one-pot pasta recipes to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• 💡Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding so it melts effortlessly into the sauce without clumping.