One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Try this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 12 ounces penne pasta ((i use jovial brown rice pasta))
- 2 cups milk (almond milk is okay for dairy-free option)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 roma tomato seeds scooped out and diced fine
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, green parts only
- 2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
- Carbohydrate 12.6399425104803 g
- Cholesterol 131.5417873 mg
- Fat 10.237941444074 g
- Fiber 3.44692506467807 g
- Protein 57.7970178677207 g
- Saturated Fat 1.83850266053765 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (774g)
- Sodium 2223.00139525454 mg
- Sugar 9.19301744580219 g
- Trans Fat 1.10450141052543 g
- Calories 378 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne, thyme, rosemary, oregano and 1 tsp kosher salt. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with parchment or saran wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a skillet, pound chicken until it is a uniform 1/4 inch thickness.
- Season both of the chicken breasts all over with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Now, take about 1 teaspoon of the prepared spice mixture and evenly sprinkle on both sides of the chicken breasts (reserving the remaining mixture for later).
- Heat oil in a large skillet with sides over medium-high heat. When hot, but not smoking, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes a side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest while you make the pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic to the same skillet and saute, stirring, until tender, about 3 minutes. (If your skillet is dry, add an extra tsp of oil.)
- Add the pasta, broth and milk. Season with salt and the remaining seasoning blend.
- Bring the contents in the pot to a gentle simmering (you don't want it to be boiling).
- Cook, simmering and stirring often until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed and creamy, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and taste, adjust salt and pepper, as desired.
- Serve in a bowl and top with sliced chicken, roma tomatoes, green onion and shredded parmesan (optional).
- Enjoy!
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – something that doesn't require hours of prep or a mountain of dishes. That’s where this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta truly shines. It's a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I need a satisfying meal on the table without sacrificing flavor or family time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency. The Cajun spices create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the addition of fresh tomatoes and green onions provides a delightful freshness. I often use brown rice pasta for a healthier twist, and almond milk works wonderfully if you need a dairy-free option. It's incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
My kids absolutely devour this dish. It’s become a staple in our weekly meal rotation, and I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s also great for meal prepping – you can cook a large batch on the weekend and have quick and easy meals ready to go throughout the week. The flavor actually improves upon sitting, which is a major bonus!
The process is straightforward even for novice cooks. First, I marinate the chicken in a simple blend of Cajun spices – paprika, cayenne, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. A little bit of salt and pepper enhances the flavors further. Then, I quickly sear the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through. This step is crucial as it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
Next, the magic happens. I add the diced onions and garlic to the same skillet, sautéing them until tender. This adds a nice base of sweetness and depth of flavor. Then, I toss in the pasta, chicken broth, and milk, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce base. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. I keep an eye on it, making sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is creamy, I add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and a final touch of salt and pepper to taste.
The final touch is my favorite part: topping the pasta with the sliced chicken, fresh diced tomatoes, green onions, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional). The contrasting textures and flavors – the creamy pasta, the tender chicken, the juicy tomatoes, and the crunchy green onions – make this dish a true delight. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying.
This recipe isn’t just about speed and convenience. It's also about creating a nourishing and delicious meal that my family loves. The blend of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, setting the tone for a comforting and enjoyable family dinner. It’s a meal that's as easy on the cook as it is pleasing to the palate.
I encourage you to try this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a regular fixture in your own kitchen. The recipe is adaptable, making it easy to adjust to your dietary needs and preferences. Experiment with different types of pasta, milk alternatives, and vegetables. Get creative and make it your own!
Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish that saves time, effort, and most importantly, keeps the family happy!
