This dairy-gluten-free, ready in about 30-minutes ONE PAN CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA is a delicous melody of both spicy and creamy! Juicy chicken and penne pasta is covered in a flavorful, bold sauce that will surely have this recipe added to your family favorites in no time.
I'm a sucker for a creamy pasta dish that's quick, simple to make, super flavorful, and easy to clean. This recipe definitely checks all of those boxes!
SIDE NOTE: Keep in mind, different brands of Cajun seasoning have different amounts of each ingredient. Make sure to pay attention to the salt so you don't over-salt the dish. For reference, I use the Frontier Co-op Organic Cajun Seasoning.
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 lb thin cut chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut cream
2 cups chicken broth
12 oz gluten-free penne pasta, uncooked (I use Jovial)
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, more for garnish
2 oz dairy-free cream cheese (I use Kite Hill Foods)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped, more for garnish
1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
1/2 tsp fresh black pepper, more to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
HOW TO MAKE
-Place chicken in a medium bowl, and sprinkle 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning on top. Make sure chicken is completely coated.
-Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil and butter over medium heat in a deep skillet.
-Add chicken in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through (165 degrees on meat thermometer). Set aside. Work in batches, if necessary, to not crowd the pan.
-To the skillet, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Add in garlic and 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-Pour in tomatoes (with juices), coconut cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
-Bring to a boil, then add pasta.
-Turn heat down to a simmer, and cook pasta uncovered according to package, stirring occasionally.
-Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat.
-Stir in lemon juice, cream cheese in small chunks, green onions, salt, and pepper.
-Add chicken back into skillet to heat through.
-Taste for salt and pepper adjustments.
-Garnish with parsley and green onions. Enjoy!
Comments