Serves 12
45 min
One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Recipe GLPRcea135d3d066a6
A vibrant one-pot pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, aromatic Cajun spices, and al dente penne in a rich butter sauce. Fresh tomatoes, scallions, and parsley add brightness to this hearty main course that serves 12.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon salt-free Cajun spice blend
1 pound dried penne pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 medium scallions, sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves and fine stems, chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil for drizzling on pasta
Directions
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the Cajun spice blend.
Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pot, add the penne pasta and enough water to cover it by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil and stir occasionally, cooking until the pasta is tender, approximately 10–12 minutes. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the pot and stir until melted and fully incorporated with the pasta.
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced scallions, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Divide among serving bowls. Drizzle lightly with additional olive oil if desired before serving.
