This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe adds Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and heavy cream to the classic combination of chicken and pasta to form a delicious dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- Creamy and Comforting: The creamy sauce blankets the tender chicken and pasta, creating a comforting dish.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is great for feeding a crowd. The spicy cajun seasoning packs a flavorful punch while the rich pasta sauce will satisfy even picky eaters.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with only one pot to clean up, this dish is a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for weeknights
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used.
- Cajun seasoning – Found in the spice aisle of supermarkets. You can make your own using this recipe.
- Olive oil – Olive oil is preferable for high-quality results when sautéing, but high burn point oil alternatives such as canola and vegetable oil may be used as a substitute.
- Onion – Diced.
- Garlic – Minced.
- Red bell pepper – Diced.
- Green bell pepper – Diced.
- Diced tomatoes – Available in the canned goods aisle of supermarkets.
- Heavy cream – Found in the dairy section of grocery stores. You may also use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Dry penne pasta – Penne is the base of this dish, but any short pasta shape such as fusilli or rigatoni will suffice. Adjust cooking times accordingly if you swap the penne out for another pasta shape.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
For garnish
- Fresh parsley – Chopped.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Commonly found pre-packaged in the cheese section of most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can purchase a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself which will give you better results.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to thoroughly deglaze it and prevent the “Burn” error.
- Just add a small amount of the Cajun seasoning to the chicken in the beginning because the seasoning can burn. By adding the majority of it after you turn off sauté mode you will keep it from burning and adding a burnt taste to the dish.
- Get creative in customizing this dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider garnishing the pasta with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese.
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Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe adds Cajun seasoning, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and heavy cream to the classic combination of chicken and pasta to form a delicious dinner.
Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon (7 g) Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup (237 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (227 g) dry penne pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly season the chicken pieces with a small amount of the Cajun seasoning. Reserve the rest for later.
- Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes. Turn off saute mode. Add the rest of the Cajun seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pot.
- Add the penne pasta on top of the chicken and vegetables, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, but do not stir it.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release.
- Stir in the heavy cream and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Just add a small amount of the Cajun seasoning to the chicken in the beginning because the seasoning can burn. By adding the majority of it after you turn off sauté mode you will keep it from burning and adding a burnt taste to the dish.
- Ensure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to thoroughly deglaze it and prevent the “Burn” error.
- Get creative in customizing this dish by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider garnishing the pasta with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 347mgPotassium: 658mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1956IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
How to Store & Reheat
Storing
Place any leftovers in an airtight container, where they will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Stovetop: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop with an additional splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir regularly until warmed through.
Instant Pot: Add it back into the Instant Pot with a splash of water or broth, then select the “Sauté” function and stir occasionally until heated through.
Angela is a talented home cook and an expert at creating delicious, nutritious meals that can be prepared quickly and easily using an Instant Pot.