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5.0 from 3 votes

Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot pasta recipe is loaded with tender chunks of chicken in a Cajun cream sauce. We love how everything cooks in one pot with minimal prep and clean up.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 530 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning divided
  • 1 medium sweet onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes drained
  • 3/4 cups half and half
  • 2 ounces cream cheese
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach rinsed and dried

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Chop the chicken into 1 inch pieces.
  2. Heat a 12 inch skillet over medium heat and add the butter to melt. Stir to coat the pan.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the onion and pepper to the pan and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning. Cook 5 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add the penne, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and half and half. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover the pot.
  8. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
  9. Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese to melt.
  10. Stir in the spinach. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to wilt spinach.
  11. Stir well before serving.

Notes

  • Some brands of Cajun seasoning are spicier and saltier than others. We used Tony Chachere's seasoning, which is quite salty and has a nice kick to it. If you're using a less salty seasoning, add salt to taste. For more spice, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. 
  • We prefer chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will also work well in this dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories 530kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 37g (74%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 113mg (38%) Sodium 708mg (30%) Potassium 1080mg (31%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 5435IU (109%) Vitamin C 42mg (47%) Calcium 154mg (15%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 530

% Daily Value*

Calories 530kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 37g 74%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 113mg 38%
Sodium 708mg 30%
Potassium 1080mg 23%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 5435IU 109%
Vitamin C 42mg 47%
Calcium 154mg 15%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.