One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy yet lighter One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta gets its silky sauce from a few spoonfuls of cream cheese instead of heavy cream. It ticks ALL the boxes: quick, very easy and a delicious complete meal that everyone can enjoy – even the picky eaters! On the table in 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!

You will also love my Tuna Pasta Bake and Chicken Fajita Pasta

Have I mentioned how much I love one-pot recipes? Yes? Well I am going to say it again: one-pot meals ROCK, one-pot pasta recipes even more so!

Cooking pasta in the same pot as the sauce doesn’t just cut down on washing up – though that is always A GOOD THING. The pasta releases starch as it cooks, thickening the creamy sauce and making it silky.

This chicken pasta is made irresistibly delicious with a little Cajun spice and butternut squash for added goodness. I can’t tell you how popular this family favorite is in our house! Take a look at the recipe video and step-by-step photos to see how it’s done.

One-Pot Chicken Pasta FTW!

I absolutely love this easy pasta recipe because it’s the perfect weeknight meal! You can replace the chicken with turkey breast or shrimp if you like – or use leftover roasted chicken (trimmed of any skin and fat) – and goes well with a simple salad.

Any leftovers can be turned into a chicken pasta bake if you like, and it freezes well too – just hold back the cream cheese (see Storage and Freezing below).

Lucy’s Pro Tip

Cajun Seasoning

Homemade Cajun seasoning is popular in Louisiana, where the mix originated, but ready-made seasoning from your local grocery store works just as well. Typically, it is a mix of paprika, oregano, salt and pepper, with cayenne pepper, garlic powder and other spices thrown in to make the Cajun flavor unique.

Here’s What You Will Need

This easy pasta recipe uses a few store cupboard staples and a handful of fresh ingredients.

• Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and a little salt. Add some cayenne pepper if you like it a bit spicy!
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs
• Cooking spray
• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Chopped tinned tomatoes (canned chopped or crushed tomatoes) in their juice
• Butternut squash cut into small cubes – other vegetables can be swapped for squash if you like, added in the pot depending on how long they need to cook
• Dried pasta – I used penne but any similar pasta shape would work, even smaller pasta. Use wholemeal pasta for added fiber or gluten free pasta if required.
• Chicken stock (chicken broth) – made using a stock cube or canned
• Light cream cheese – the secret to the creamy sauce. It melts into the tomatoes and stock for a silky finish without heavy cream. Quark works for an even lighter version, or use single cream (light cream) if you prefer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil to garnish

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and put in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic granules and salt and mix together.
2. Spray a large non-stick lidded pan with low calorie cooking spray. Add the chicken and pan fry over medium-high heat until lightly colored. The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through at this point.

1. Add the minced garlic and onions to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.
2. Add the butternut squash and chopped tomatoes, stirring to combine. Make sure the squash is cut into small cubes so that it will cook quickly.

1. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta, stir it to combine with the other ingredients and partially cover the pan, bringing to a boil.

1. Set a timer for 12 minutes (or however long your pasta needs to cook – I prefer it al dente) and continue to cook, stirring every couple of minutes. Cook until the pasta is cooked and any liquid is slightly reduced. Check the squash is cooked through as well.
2. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese (or quark as a slimming friendly alternative) until it melts into a silky sauce. Add the grated Parmesan and basil and stir to combine.
3. Have a taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground pepper. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve.

Chicken Pasta Bake Variation

A great way to use up leftovers – if you happen to have any… Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the leftovers in a ceramic ovenproof dish, adding a little water or chicken stock.

Top with a little extra grated cheese – such as reduced fat mozzarella or cheddar and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and pasta is heated through.

Storage and Freezing

This Cajun chicken pasta makes amazing leftovers – so go ahead and double the batch if you’re into meal prep magic!

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm it up gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water, milk, or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens. Stir well to keep things creamy and smooth.
• Freezer-friendly? Yes, but with a little caution. Creamy sauces can separate slightly when frozen, so if you’re planning to freeze it, consider holding back the cream cheese and stirring it in fresh when reheating. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunchboxes.

You Will Also Like…

• Cajun Chicken Orzo
• Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
• Sausage Pasta In Creamy Tomato Mascarpone Sauce
• Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
• Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake

You might also like my Cajun Jambalaya Pasta.