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
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