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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup frozen peas - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The ingredients are the heart of this dish. Each one plays a key role in creating that creamy, spicy flavor. The penne pasta holds the sauce well, while the chicken adds protein. The heavy cream gives it that rich texture you crave. Cajun seasoning brings the heat, and the veggies make it colorful and fresh. - You can swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a different protein. - If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. - For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free penne pasta. These options help you customize the dish to fit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment! You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. - First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. - Chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cut the chicken into small pieces. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. - Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook this for 2 minutes. - Now, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned. - Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Bring this mix to a boil. Then lower the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for 12 minutes. Stir it a few times to stop sticking. - When the pasta is ready, stir in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and frozen peas. Let it all cook for 2-3 minutes. - Remove the pot from heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts and makes the dish creamy. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the details earlier. Enjoy your easy weeknight meal! - To get perfect al dente pasta, cook it until it's firm but not hard. - Stir the pasta often to avoid sticking and make sure it cooks evenly. - If the sauce is too thin, let it cook a bit longer. The heat will help it thicken. - Common mistakes include not stirring enough or adding too much liquid too fast. - You can add more spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. - Fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, can brighten the dish. - If you like it spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce. If you prefer less heat, use less. - Use a large pot to cook everything in one place. It saves time and clean-up. - A good sharp knife helps chop veggies quickly. - Prep your ingredients before cooking to save time and make the process smoother. For a detailed guide, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the chicken for vegetables or legumes. Consider using diced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These add nice flavors and textures. For protein, chickpeas or lentils work great too. Use plant-based creams and cheeses for a creamy texture. Options like cashew cream or almond milk can replace heavy cream. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps your meal rich and satisfying. If you love seafood, try shrimp or sausage. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it near the end. Sausage can add a nice kick; just cook it first to brown it well. Other proteins, like tofu or beef, need different cooking times. Tofu should be pressed for the best texture. Beef needs to be cut thin and cooked until browned. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. For those on low-carb diets, use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta. These options cut down on carbs while keeping the dish filling. If you want a vegan version, just replace the cream and cheese with plant-based options. You can use coconut milk for creaminess. This keeps the dish delicious and suitable for everyone. For the full recipe, check out One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta. To keep your one-pot creamy Cajun pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent the pasta from getting soggy. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and make reheating easier. Store the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. Use a microwave or stovetop to warm it up. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to keep it creamy. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This keeps the dish moist and delicious. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stovetop method for the best texture. Enjoy your creamy pasta whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the section above. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove until warm. How long does this pasta stay fresh in the fridge? This pasta stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. After that, the texture may change. The sauce can become thicker as it sits. Is it possible to use other types of pasta? Absolutely! You can swap penne for other pasta shapes. Try fusilli, bowtie, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. What can I use instead of chicken for dietary restrictions? For a great option, use shrimp or sausage. If you need a vegetarian dish, try tofu or chickpeas. These swaps work well and keep the flavor strong. How can I make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. You can find many good options at stores. Just ensure that your Cajun seasoning is also gluten-free. What's the secret to a creamy sauce without using too much cream? The key is to use the starchy pasta water. When you cook the pasta, reserve some water before draining. Add this water to the sauce to help it stay creamy and thick. How do I make this dish spicier or milder? To make it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce the seasoning or add more cream to balance the heat. This blog post covered how to make a delicious one-pot creamy Cajun pasta. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and tips for success. You can easily swap ingredients for your needs, like using shrimp or tofu. Proper storage and reheating can keep leftovers tasty. Remember, cooking should be fun! Experiment with flavors and enjoy your meal. With these ideas, you can create a dish that fits your taste perfectly. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

Savor the flavors of a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy Cajun sauce all in one delightful pot. Perfect for busy nights, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Discover how to make this tasty dish and impress your family with your cooking skills.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

    Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

      Stir in the chicken pieces and Cajun seasoning, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

        Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

          Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and frozen peas. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting everything blend and the sauce thicken slightly.

            Remove from heat, add the grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4