One Pan Creamy Cajun Pasta

Servings: 4
Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

CAJUN SEASONING
2 tsp smoked paprika 
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp 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 
* or just buy cajun seasoning at the store and use 4 tsp

PASTA
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 yellow onion, diced
1 box penne pasta
15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
2 oz. cream cheese
3 green onions, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Cut chicken into 1/2 inch cubes. Place the cubed chicken into a medium bowl and cover with cajun seasoning. Stir to coat the chicken in spices.
  2. Add the olive oil and butter to a large deep skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until melted down. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until the outside gets some color (doesn't need to be cooked all the way through at this point).
  3. Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and continue to sauté for about 2 minutes. Allow the moisture from the onion to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Next, add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with the juices), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, then place a lid on top and allow the broth to come up to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is thick and saucy.
  6. Add the cream cheese to the skillet in chunks, then stir until it has melted into the sauce. Top the pasta with sliced green onions and serve.