Description
Turn a simple dinner into a bold, comforting feast with this One-Pan Creamy Sweet and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta. It’s a flavor-packed, easy dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes and satisfies every craving — spicy, creamy, sweet, and savory all in one. Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety sauce infused with garlic, honey, and cream make this a perfect choice for busy nights or special gatherings. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas, easy one-pot recipes, or spicy food ideas, this one delivers it all in a single skillet.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small yellow onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 red bell pepper sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a bowl, season sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper for 3–5 minutes until soft. Add red pepper flakes and stir briefly.
4. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan.
5. Add pasta to the pan and stir to submerge. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return chicken to the pan and stir in Parmesan. Simmer for 2 more minutes until everything is well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Adjust spice level by modifying the red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
For extra creaminess, stir in an extra splash of cream or milk before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: one-pan pasta, cajun chicken, spicy pasta, easy dinner, creamy chicken pasta