One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. The seasoned chicken, infused with garlic, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, adds a smoky kick to the dish. The creamy sauce, made with vegetable stock and double cream, is seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and onion powder, creating a comforting and savory base. As the pasta cooks in the sauce, it absorbs all the bold flavors, while the spinach adds a touch of freshness. Topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful meal in just one pot.

PROCESS:

  • Coat chicken with spices and let sit for 15 minutes. Sauté chicken in butter for 6-8 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
  • Boil pasta according to package instructions, then drain. Cook diced onion and garlic in the same pan until soft.
  • Add stock, cream, and seasonings. Simmer and mix well. Add pasta to the sauce and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach halfway through.
  • Stir cooked chicken back in with the pasta. Stir in cheese and parsley, then serve hot with extra garnish.

    Here’s what you are going to need to make it:

    Chicken breasts and spices (garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, parsley) for marinating

    Pasta (fusilli or penne)

    Butter for cooking

    Onion and garlic for the sauce

    Vegetable stock and double cream

    Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, and dried oregano

    Fresh spinach for added flavor

    Parmesan or any hard cheese for richness

    Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

    Chili flakes and dried parsley (optional, for extra heat)

    INGREDIENTS:

    Ingredients for Chicken:

    • 2 Chicken Breasts
    • Pinch of Salt and Pepper
    • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Paprika
    • 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
    • Sprinkle of Dried Parsley

    For the Sauce and Pasta:

    • 1 White Onion, diced
    • 4 Garlic Cloves, chopped
    • 1 Litre Vegetable Stock
    • 250ml Double Cream
    • 3/4 – 1 tsp Salt (start with less)
    • Pinch of Pepper
    • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
    • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
    • 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
    • Sprinkle of Dried Oregano
    • 400g Dried Fusilli or Penne Pasta
    • Handful of Fresh Spinach
    • Parmesan or any Hard Cheese, for garnish
    • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro for garnish
    • Some Chili Flakes and dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

    INSTRUCTIONS:

    Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

    In a bowl, mix the chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and dried parsley. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

    Step 2: Cook the Chicken

    Heat 1tbsp of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4 minutes each side i.e. a total of about 8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

    Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

    In the same pan, add a tbsp of butter or olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and chopped garlic with a pinch of salt until the onions become translucent and soft.

    Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

    Add the vegetable stock and double cream to the pan, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well.

    Step 5: Cook the Pasta

    Add the dry pasta to the pan, making sure it’s well combined with the sauce. Stir occasionally and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has reduced. Halfway through, add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce.

    Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

    Stir in plenty of grated Parmesan or your preferred hard cheese. Add freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish. Optionally, sprinkle with chili flakes for an extra kick.

    Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta

    Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together and turn off the heat.Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is cooked, add the chicken on top of the pasta or you can stir the chicken back into the pan with the pasta.

    Step 8: Serve

    Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with more cheese and herbs if desired. Enjoy!

    Tips and Notes:

    • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the chili flakes. For extra heat, feel free to add more chili flakes or use a spicier Cajun seasoning.
    • For extra flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
    • If you don’t have double cream, you can substitute with heavy cream or even half-and-half for a lighter version, though the consistency may vary slightly.
    • If you want to make the dish even heartier, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the spinach.
    • Since this is a one-pot recipe, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep the heat on medium to allow the sauce to thicken without burning.
    • While Parmesan works beautifully in this dish, you can also experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
    • This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently over low heat.: Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
    • Add a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce for an even creamier texture.

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