Name: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.20); 1 tsp oregano ($0.10); 1 tsp thyme ($0.10); 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05); 1/2 tsp onion powder ($0.05); 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.03); 1/4 tsp black pepper ($0.02); 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02); 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16); 1 Tbsp butter ($0.13); 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast ($5.47); 1 yellow onion, diced ($0.32); 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked) ($0.75); 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes ($1.00); 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26); 2 oz. cream cheese ($0.50); 3 green onions* sliced ($0.25)

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Cook a complete dinner in one pot with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, using mostly pantry-stable items. Perfect for busy weeknights!

30 min total 10 min prep 20 min cook 4 482 cal

Instructions

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1 Combine the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, pour the Cajun seasoning over top, and stir to coat the chicken in spices.
2 Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat the oil and butter over medium-high until the skillet is very hot and the butter is melted and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple minutes on each side, or just until the outside gets some color. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
3 Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes more, or just until the onion begins to soften. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4 Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
5 Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about ten minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
6 Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions* and serve.