Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe! It’s an absolute game changer in my kitchen. Imagine tender chicken coated in a zesty cajun seasoning, all mingling with creamy honey butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta—seriously, it’s a flavor explosion! And the best part? You can whip this up in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less cleanup for me (yay!). Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish! Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
- 8 oz pasta (any shape you love—penne or fusilli works great!)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 2 tbsp honey (for that perfect touch of sweetness)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (trust me, the butter makes it creamy and rich)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for extra flavor and moisture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this is key for a luscious sauce)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (I love using a mix of colors for vibrancy)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced (for that tasty aromatic base)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this for flavor balance!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience!
How to Prepare the One Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how it all comes together.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water—about a half cup—just in case we need to loosen up our sauce later!
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Now, let’s heat things up! In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Add in the cubed chicken and sprinkle that cajun seasoning generously all over it. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Then toss in the diced onion and sliced bell peppers, sautéing everything together for another 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are tender and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Ingredients
Next, it’s time to create that creamy sauce! Stir in the honey and chicken broth, bringing everything to a delightful simmer. This is where the magic happens! Now, gently pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems too thick, just splash in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency—it should be creamy but not soupy!
Final Adjustments and Serving
Before serving, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. I like to serve mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Just ladle it into bowls and enjoy! You’re in for a treat with every creamy, spicy bite of this dish. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot means less cleanup—yes, please!
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Bold flavors with a delightful spicy kick!
- Creamy, buttery sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spice levels.
- Comfort food at its finest—everyone will love it!
Tips for Success
To make this one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, if you’re not a big fan of heat, feel free to reduce the cajun seasoning or even swap it out for a milder blend. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for depth without the spice! If you’re looking to lighten things up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream—just know it won’t be quite as rich. And don’t hesitate to get creative with your veggies; zucchini or spinach can be great additions! Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving—it makes all the difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), let the pasta cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s sealed tight! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, and stir until everything is heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are estimates. For this one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe, each serving (about 1 bowl) contains approximately 650 calories, 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 75g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this hearty meal while keeping in mind that it’s all about balance!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you love, whether it’s spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly. The key is to cook it until it’s al dente, so it holds up nicely in the sauce!
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a nice spicy kick thanks to the cajun seasoning, but don’t worry—you can easily adjust the spice level! If you prefer it milder, start with just one tablespoon of seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it hot!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to bring it back to life!
What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta is delicious on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread. A light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish!
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can! If you’re using frozen chicken, just make sure to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen, but just be aware that you’ll need to increase the cooking time a bit to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
One Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A flavorful one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta dish that combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and pasta.
Składniki
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chicken and season with cajun seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Add onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened.
- Stir in honey and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and cooked pasta. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Uwagi
- Adjust spice level by modifying cajun seasoning.
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Cajun
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 650
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 75g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe
