Description
A bold, creamy, and comforting pasta dish, Make-Ahead Cajun Chicken Pasta Bowls are packed with tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and a Cajun-spiced Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this one-pot recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and reheats like a dream.
Ingredients
1 pound short-cut pasta (like penne or rotini)
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon plus 1-2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (see homemade version below)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (boneless)
1 cup milk
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped onion, chicken pieces, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Sauté bell peppers and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the additional Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the pot. Mix well and cook for 2–3 more minutes until everything is hot and coated with sauce.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in chopped basil. Serve warm with more basil if desired.
Notes
To make this dish ahead, allow it to cool before storing in airtight containers. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain creaminess. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: One-Pot & Easy Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influence