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Home » Recipes » One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta [Dairy Free]

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta [Dairy Free]

February 7, 2020 By Molly Thompson 30 Comments

Dairy Free RecipesDF
Gluten Free RecipesGF
Refined Sugar FreeSF
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Packed with cajun flavor, this creamy (and dairy free!) pasta is made in one pot 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.

one pot cajun chicken pasta

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.

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!

spoonful of creamy cajun chicken pasta

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.

cajun chicken pasta in a large saucepan

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 creamy cauliflower soup
  • One pot taco pasta
  • Instant pot honey mustard chicken
  • Instant pot salsa chicken

One pot creamy cajun chicken pasta [dairy free]

3.97 from 158 votes
Packed with cajun flavor, this creamy (and dairy free!) pasta is made in one pot 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.
PRINT RECIPE
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Servings: 8 medium bowls
Author: Molly Thompson

INGREDIENTS

For the 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

For the chicken pasta:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 14 ounces pre-cooked smoked sausage cut into slices (look for no sugar added) I like Aidell brand
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 12 ounces gluten free penne pasta brown rice or chickpea pasta
  • 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth or bone broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • Chopped parsley or green onion for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

  • If making your own seasoning, combine the ingredients for the cajun seasoning in a medium bowl. If you’re using premade seasoning, add it to a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Cut the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes and add to the medium bowl with the cajun seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the seasoning using a wooden spoon. Set aside.
  • Add the olive oil to the bottom of a deep skillet over medium-high heat and allow to heat for a few minutes until the oil is 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 diced 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.
  • Add the penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes with the juice and the broth to the chicken, sausage and onions. Stir until everything is combined then close the lid of the pan and allow it to come to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If you’re using a chickpea pasta, pay attention to the pan as it tends to foam. When it’s done the mixture should be thick and saucy and the pasta should be tender.
  • Add the coconut cream to the pan and mix until melted and combined.

Notes

My pot is a 4qt pot
You can omit the sausage if you don’t want to use it. This will decrease the calories by 200 calories per serving
Did you make this recipe?Mention @What_mollymade or tag #WhatMollyMade so I can see it and feature you!
creamy cajun chicken pasta pin
one pot cajun chicken pasta alfredo dairy free

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shelby W says

    September 09, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    This was SO yummy! I’ve been dairy free for two months (maybe a little more) and my husband and I have been wanting pasta. I found this recipe and we gave it a try tonight. It did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to making more of your recipes!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      September 21, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Thanks, Shelby! I'm so happy to hear that! I have tons of dairy free recipes and dinners:)

      Reply
  2. Shira says

    September 14, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Question: Your recipe says coconut cream but when I click on the link, it's coconut milk. Can you confirm which it is? Looking forward to making this! 🙂

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      September 21, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Hey there! Sorry that is a bit confusing. It's technically canned coconut milk but the coconut cream separates to the top. So when you open the can just use the thick cream part. You can also buy cans that are just coconut cream. Thanks!

      Reply
  3. Carly says

    October 22, 2020 at 9:53 am

    We love this one - so tasty and super easy to make!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      October 26, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Jade P says

    October 26, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    Could I use dairy free sour cream instead of the coconut cream?

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      November 02, 2020 at 9:58 pm

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  5. Alison says

    November 11, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    Can I use regular heavy cream rather than coconut cream? We just need gluten free but not dairy free!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      November 16, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Yep you can use heavy cream!

      Reply
  6. Hermelinda Tester says

    December 01, 2020 at 1:32 am

    I agree with you

    Reply
  7. Katy says

    December 02, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    This was a hit in my house! Cooked the chickpea pasta separately due to preference. Only used 1/2 cup of broth and mixed in a bit of corn starch in broth to make a slurry to thicken sauce. also added spinach leaves and was very good.

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 10:53 am

      Thanks, Katy!! Using coconut starch is a great idea. Thanks for taking the time to share!

      Reply
  8. Ashley says

    December 17, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    I can honestly say I’ve never written a review for a recipe before but I felt compelled for this one. It was so good! I used vegan sour cream instead of the coconut cream and it was perfect. My husband raved about it and he always has something to say lol! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 10:54 am

      Ashley!! This just made my day! I love that you took the time to comment it means so much. So glad you and your husband enjoy it. I'll try the vegan sour cream soon!

      Reply
  9. Zemi says

    December 17, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    Although this was Amazingly Delicious, we just couldn’t finish it all. Which really isn’t a bad thing, because that was why/how I found this recipe. Lol, anyways. Is it okay to put leftovers in the freeEr or would only the fridge be best?

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 12:17 pm

      I would keep it in the fridge! The creamy from the coconut cream might not freeze well!

      Reply
  10. Kelly says

    December 29, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    LOVED this dish!!! So so good, I just had to come back and write a review! 10/10

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Kelly!!!

      Reply
  11. Catrina Cser says

    January 02, 2021 at 11:37 pm

    I agree with you

    Reply
  12. Jamie C says

    January 03, 2021 at 3:25 am

    Was looking for a PCOS Friendly dinner and this hit the spot so well! Would love to try some recommendations from the others comments - such a versatile dish!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      January 06, 2021 at 12:24 pm

      So happy to hear that!! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
  13. Jen O'Malley says

    January 06, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    This was so delicious! My 2 teenagers and my husband all loved it.

    Reply
  14. Stephanie says

    January 30, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    Would oat milk do instead of coconut cream?

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      February 08, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Hey! You could try it but it won't be as thick. If you have cornstarch or tapioca starch you could try adding a bit of that with the oat milk first and heating it in the pasta to thicken it a bit.

      Reply
  15. Bella says

    February 04, 2021 at 1:35 pm

    We LOVE this recipe and make it at least once a week! We add a little extra seasoning and spinach to it!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      February 08, 2021 at 10:13 am

      Thanks, Bella! I love to hear that!

      Reply
  16. Nat says

    February 13, 2021 at 10:01 pm

    This was absolutely delicious! Thank you for posting!

    Reply
    • Molly Thompson says

      February 15, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks, Nat!!

      Reply

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