Chicken Pasta Recipe
A smoky, creamy one pan chicken pasta packed with bold Cajun spice, tender chicken, and fire roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika for deep smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano for earthy note
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme for warmth
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder for savory depth
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder to round out flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to heat preference
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon salt to balance spices
Chicken Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 tablespoon butter for richness
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite size cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices included (14.5 oz can)
- 2 cups chicken broth for simmering pasta
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 pieces green onions thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
- Place cubed chicken in a bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Add diced onion to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom to lift browned bits.
- Stir in uncooked penne, fire roasted tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged. Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add softened cream cheese in small pieces. Stir until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add a splash of hot water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Turn off heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
Adjust cayenne for preferred spice level. For extra brightness, add a small squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Serving Size: 1 serving- Calories: 482.65 kcal 24%
- Carbohydrates: 51.53 g 17%
- Protein: 34.95 g 70%
- Fat: 14.58 g 22%
- Sodium: 847.23 mg 37%
- Fiber: 3.45 g 14%