Big Batch Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for the Week

Easy make-ahead creamy Cajun chicken pasta for lunches and dinners

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is the perfect recipe for meal-prep Sunday. By cooking a large batch, you'll have ready-to-eat lunches and dinners that are full of flavor and come together in one pot, saving you time and cleanup throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1/2 lb penne pasta (uncooked)
• 15 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 3 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to create the Cajun spice blend. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until the outside is browned but the chicken is not fully cooked through.
3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits.
4. Pour in the penne pasta, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything, then cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
6. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions before dividing into containers for the week.

Nutrition

This recipe works out to about 480 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.

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