One Pot Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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One-pot meals are usually my favourite meals to cook.

One, because it usually means that the recipe isn’t going to be overly complicated.

Two, because it means fewer dishes to clean.

Since I don’t have a dishwasher in my house, that is a win for me!

One Pot Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 3 cups pasta penne, fusilli, or your choice
• 1 crown of broccoli cut into small florets
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your preferred blend
• 1 cup cooking cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter softened
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups reserved pasta water
• Oil for cooking

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
• Dice the onion and cut the broccoli into small florets.
• Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise and season with Cajun seasoning and pepper.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan, shred using two forks, and set aside.
• In the same pan, melt the margarine or butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant.
• Pour in the cooking cream and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the shredded cheese and season with pepper to taste. Slowly add half of the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce thickens.
• Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together, cover, and cook over medium heat until the broccoli is tender but still crisp (al dente), about 3-5 minutes.
• Adjust seasoning if needed. Add more pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

This recipe is sure to be loved by kids, it’s easy and healthy.

I have been on a health kick recently, and I have been doing a lot more research into food and not only to understand the macronutrients but also to understand the micronutrients!

Incorporating Veggies and Legumes

Veggies are essential to one-pot meals; it adds volume to a dish, but you also want to make sure you are getting in the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

Plus fibre; you want to make sure you are eating enough fibre throughout the day.

We love tossing in some broccoli or spinach for a quick nutrient boost.

Peas and potatoes are fantastic too, since they are hearty, which helps us feel full longer.

Garlic and ginger, while often used in smaller amounts, are packed with antioxidants and offer a burst of flavour.

Legumes, such as chickpeas or beans, are not only rich in protein but are also great sources of iron and fibre.

Grains and Proteins for Balanced Meals

Grains like rice and orzo pasta serve as the base for many one-pot dishes, giving us the carbohydrates we need for energy.

When we use whole grains, we’re also upping our intake of B vitamins and fibre, which are important for overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple one-pot recipes that the whole family will enjoy?

One-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta makes a delightful dinner that’s both comforting and easy to clean up.

Another hit is our Garlicky Shrimp & Rice dish, which is flavourful and simple to prepare.

Can you suggest some vegetarian one-pot meals suitable for family dinners?

A one-pot of Cheesy Tomato and Lentil Bake is a great vegetarian option that’s full of protein.

Or you could try our Tortelli soup recipe which is also vegetarian.

What are your top picks for easy-to-make one-pot meals that kids love?

Kids often love the simplicity of a classic One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Another favourite is the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, with all the flavours of tacos in an easy pasta form.

How can I prepare a healthy one-pot dinner for my family?

Opting for whole grain options and loading up on veggies is our secret.

Try a Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf or a Hearty Turkey and Bean Chili!