one pot chicken pasta with cajun seasonings

Chicken

One Pot Chicken Pasta with Cajun Seasonings

This one-pot chicken pasta dish with Cajun seasonings is a snap to whip up. Here we use the technique of stirring often to help the starches release for natural creaminess. We love the spicy flavor profile of Cajun seasoning, but you can substitute different spices depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 medium scallions, thinly sliced, greens and whites separated
1 tablespoon minced garlic
12 ounces whole-grain penne or other short pasta
2 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can unsalted fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Combine paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper and cayenne in a medium bowl. Add chicken; toss to coat.
Heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Do not wipe the pan clean. Reduce heat to medium.
Add scallion whites and garlic to the pan; cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 1 minute. Stir in pasta; cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add broth and tomatoes; increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 10 minutes.
Stir in cream cheese and the chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through, about 1 minute. Sprinkle evenly with scallion greens and parsley.