One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Cajun
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

Recipe GLPRcea135d3d066a6

Cajun

Main Course

45 min

349 cal

Servings: 12

Stovetop

SNAP eligible

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.

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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.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

This is a solid weeknight dish that uses common Charlotte-area ingredients: chicken, pasta, butter, and parmesan are staples at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and ALDI. The cajun spice blend is the only potential friction point—most readers will find it at major chains, but a household without one on hand might need an extra stop or improvise with paprika and cayenne. At roughly 12 servings, cost per serving lands around $1.50 to $1.80 depending on whether you buy name-brand spice or store-label, making it genuinely budget-friendly for feeding a family. The stated 45 minutes is honest if you use boneless chicken and pre-shredded parmesan, though hand-torn fresh parsley and diced tomato add 5–8 minutes of prep if not prepped. This reheats adequately the next day on low heat with a splash of broth, though the pasta can firm up slightly.