One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne
A creamy and spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken pasta cooked in a single pot for a quick and flavorful dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, teaspoons Cajun seasoning, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon, divided salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, divided black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 1 pound chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 ounces penne pasta, 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta and chicken.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
