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Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet

A creamy, spicy one-pan pasta dish with tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and melted cheese — ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta Skillet
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt or to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 250 g penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
  2. Add chicken pieces and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add pasta and bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  8. Mix in mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter. Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce is thick and creamy.
  9. Stir in cherry tomatoes if using.
  10. Top with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk.