One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta
A quick, bold one-pot dinner combining Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce and tender penne pasta. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 2 (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, for garnish chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning and add to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and add 12 oz penne pasta, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta and chicken.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta 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 Pasta?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta?
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 Pasta 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 Pasta?
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.
