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Packed with cajun flavor, this creamy (and dairy-free!) pasta is made in one pot and is so easy to make. It’s on the lighter side, but will fill you up and give your weeknight a spicy kick that’s full of protein.
Need another Creamy pasta recipe? You will love this Cheesecake Factory Copycat Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta or Cajun Sausage Pasta.
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If you like a little kick to your meal, you’re going to love this recipe! It’s packed with protein and makes a great leftover to pack for lunch the next day. Just like one pot taco pasta, you make it all in one pan for easy clean up and tons of flavor.
What does cajun taste like?
Cajun seasoning is smoky, garlicky and peppery. It has a bit of a kick to it and it’s great for pastas or grilling with burgers.
This one pot cajun chicken pasta takes it to another Creole level by using Andouille sausage. You can leave it out if you want, but I think it adds so much flavor to this dish.
Is Cajun seasoning the same as Old Bay?
Although both have several spices in common, Old Bay seasoning is a specific blend of 18 spices, where there is no one specific recipe for Cajun seasoning.
Additionally, Old Bay originates from Maryland and is typically used on seafood like crab legs and Cajun seasoning originate from Lousiana and can be used on all kinds of proteins, like the chicken and sausage here!
How to make creamy cajun chicken pasta:
Start by cutting your chicken into chunks and tossing it in the Cajun seasoning. Then, sear the chicken until the outsides are crispy. It doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through, just enough to get a nice crust.
Next, add the onion and sausage to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the fire roasted tomatoes, broth and pasta. Cover and bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Finally, stir in the coconut cream and serve with chopped parsley.
How to make creamy pasta dairy free:
My secret to getting a dairy free and creamy pasta sauce is coconut cream. It is mild in its coconut flavor and adds a rich and creamy texture just like a heavy cream would. It’s the perfect addition to this creamy cajun chicken pasta to cut some of the heat.
I’ve used coconut cream to make dairy free chicken alfredo, creamy chicken and rice soup, creamy tuscan chicken and sweet potato gnocchi.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and tag me with @what_mollymade so I can see it and feature you.
More one pot recipes:
- One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta [Dairy Free]
- One pot creamy cauliflower soup
- One pot taco pasta
- Instant pot honey mustard chicken
- Instant pot salsa chicken
One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta [Dairy Free]
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Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- OR 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 12 ounces penne pasta gluten-free if needed
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut cream or heavy cream if not dairy-free
- Chopped parsley or green onion for topping
Instructions
- Combine the cajun seasoning ingredients in a medium bowl.2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cut the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes and add to the medium bowl with the cajun seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, until hot and rippling. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side to brown the sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through yet.
- Add the yellow onion and smoked sausage to the pan with the chicken and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.1 medium yellow onion, 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage
- Add the penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes with the juice, and the broth. Stir until everything is combined then close the lid of the pan and allow it to come to a boil over medium-high heat.12 ounces penne pasta, 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth
- Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. When it’s done the mixture should be thick and saucy and the pasta should be tender.
- Add the cream to the pan and mix until melted and combined. Serve with fresh parsley.1/2 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut cream
Notes
You can omit the sausage if you don’t want to use it. This will decrease the calories by 200 calories per serving
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I have been diagnosed with Alpha-gal so this recipe is perfect. I used plant based cream and added about half a cup more of chicken broth and it turned out amazing. I also used turkey sausage instead of pork. I will definitely be making this again. It went well with dairy free cheddar and chive drop biscuits.
Sounds amazing, Kelli! Thanks for sharing all of your swaps.
Oh, my gosh!!!! So good. My daughter was just diagnosed with PCOS so we have been using your website as a source for all sorts of good information and tasty recipes!!
Thank you, Molly <3
Thanks so much Karen! If you haven’t seen it, I launched a PCOS planner that has everything you would ever want for PCOS:) https://whatmollymade.shop/products/nourish-naturally-pcos-planner
I am very excited to try this recipe but I have a question. My husband and I do not like the taste of coconut cream at all and was wondering if there was another dairy free alternative I could use. Perhaps dairy free sour cream or cashew yogurt or something?
Hey Alex!! Yes, you can use cashew cream or you can buy a plant based heavy cream or vegan cream cheese.
My husband said this was in the top 5 meals I’ve ever made, both kids finished it all! I used chickpea pasta for an extra protein kick, delicious!
Monica!! No way! That’s such a compliment. So glad your family liked it.
LOVE this recipe! I used to make a cajun pasta that had dairy, but my husband and I are both lactose intolerant, so I decided to try this one instead. We now prefer this one and I make it regularly!
Thank you so much, Kaylee!! Love to hear that!
Okay, this pasta is so good, it has become a regular in the rotation. I make this dinner at least twice a month now. My husband and I love it!
Love when I make it in the rotation! Thanks, Breanna!