One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Spinach and Penne
A spicy, creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken breast tossed with al dente penne and fresh spinach in a rich Alfredo sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs Cajun seasoning, penne pasta, minced garlic cloves 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 medium (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch strips chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss 2 medium sliced chicken breasts with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add to skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz dry penne pasta and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 3 cups baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Spinach and Penne take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Spinach and 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 cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Spinach and 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 Spinach and 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 Spinach and 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.
