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–+ servings

Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta

Rose
If you’re craving a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner, this Budget-Friendly Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. Tender chicken with smoky Cajun spices, penne pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a creamy sauce make it a hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

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

This dish is budget-friendly, family-approved, and versatile. Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, and garnish with green onions or parsley. Cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy sauce; add milk if you prefer a thinner texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
Keyword budget-friendly dinner, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot pasta
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