If you’re craving a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner that won’t break the bank, this Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. Tender, juicy chicken seasoned with smoky Cajun spices is combined with penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a silky cream cheese sauce. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep, this dish is both hearty and easy to make.
The creamy sauce clings to the pasta and chicken, while a gentle kick from the Cajun spices keeps every bite exciting. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and restaurant-quality, all from your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta
This recipe stands out for a few key reasons:
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet or saucepan, reducing dishes and effort.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, and cream cheese.
- Family-friendly flavor: Mildly spicy, creamy, and savory; adjustable for kids or spice lovers.
- Versatile: You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or roasted veggies.
- Quick prep: Ready in about 35–40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients for Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta & Sauce
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (14–15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cajun seasoning: Pre-made or mix smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust spice to your taste.
- Creamy texture: Cream cheese makes the sauce rich without using heavy cream; add a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner sauce.
- Pasta: Penne works best, but any short pasta (rotini, rigatoni) is fine.
- Protein swaps: Shrimp, sausage, tofu, or roasted veggies can replace chicken for a different variation.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute penne with gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free: Use non-dairy cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Cube the chicken breasts and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Onion
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 – Add Pasta, Broth, and Tomatoes
Add the uncooked penne, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4 – Make it Creamy
Stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with a simple salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Adjust spice: Reduce cayenne for kids or increase for a bolder flavor.
- Prevent sticking: Stir occasionally while simmering pasta to avoid sticking or burning.
- Creaminess: Let cream cheese soften before adding for easier melting.
- One-pot trick: Cover while simmering pasta to cook evenly without drying out.
- Fresh garnish: Green onions or parsley brighten the flavor and presentation.
Flavor Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a richer sauce.
- Veggie boost: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Seafood twist: Swap chicken with shrimp for a Cajun seafood pasta.
- Alfredo-style: Skip Cajun seasoning for a creamy, mild Alfredo flavor.
- Spicy heat: Increase cayenne and crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy Cajun kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended for best texture; cream cheese sauce may separate when frozen.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
FAQ About Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine with the sauce when ready. It’s best served immediately for creamy texture.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely. Increase Cajun seasoning or add extra crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust gradually to suit your taste.
What pasta works best?
Penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta are excellent alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use a plant-based milk or cream alternative.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it in step 4 with the cream cheese to warm through. Reduce cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet or saucepan
- knife for dicing onion and cubing chicken
- cutting board
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ pound penne pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (14–15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz cream cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cube the chicken breasts and toss with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the uncooked penne, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with a simple salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta (Easy & Creamy) is a one-pot miracle: quick, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a weeknight winner for any family. With a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish delivers the taste of a restaurant-quality Cajun dinner right at home.