One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This one pot Cajun chicken pasta is creamy, spicy, smoky and quite simply delicious! This dairy free version comes together in the one pot and takes less than 30 minutes making it the perfect pasta recipe for weeknight cooking when you want something easy but with bold flavours.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 597kcal

Author Sally

Equipment

cast iron dutch oven

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil divided
500 grams chicken breast chopped into 2cm pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided (see notes)
1 small brown onion finely diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
350 grams penne pasta
2 cups chicken stock
1 x 400ml can coconut milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs basil and parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large, heavy based pot over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add in the chopped chicken breast and 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Sauté the chicken pieces until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pan and add in the diced onions. Sauté, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits of chicken and seasoning from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
To the pot, add in the the pasta, chicken stock, coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Mix together and bring to the boil. Gently boil for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Add the chicken back to the pot and stir through to heat. Mix through the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: Combine 2 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, ½ tablespoon chilli powder, ½ tablespoon salt, ½ tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Store any leftover spice mix in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place. You can adjust the chilli quantity to your tastes. The above ratios make a lightly spiced but still mild seasoning, so for something spicy, double the chilli to 1 tablespoon.

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