One-Pot Cajun Pasta
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (16 oz) penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb chicken breast or smoked sausage (sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green, diced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (adjust as needed)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
- Sauté the Protein: (This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use your favorite protein or a combination for extra flavor!)
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken or sausage, season with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Liquids & Pasta:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, stir well, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 12-15 minutes).
- Add the Protein Back:
- Return the cooked chicken or sausage to the pot and stir everything together.
- Finish & Serve:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy!
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
