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Discover the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Everyone's Raving About

Abby Martin
Cook a complete dinner in one pot with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, using mostly pantry-stable items. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Calories 482.65 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cajun Seasoning:

  • 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

Chicken Pasta:

  • ▢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)

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  •  
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Notes

  • The deep skillet I use is a 4-quart capacity.
  • Depending on your cookware, you may need to adjust the heat up or down to maintain a simmer in the broth. Be sure to stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking.