Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

why make this recipe

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful one-pot meal that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your table. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and spicy seasoning creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, using the Instant Pot makes cleanup a breeze!

how to make Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil or butter for sautéing
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a bit of oil or butter. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, then add them to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
3. Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of the pressure.
6. Open the lid, stir the pasta, and ensure the chicken is cooked through. If needed, shred the chicken in the pot.
7. Adjust seasoning as necessary and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

how to serve Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve this delicious pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

how to store Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.

tips to make Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Make sure to properly season the chicken for extra flavor.
• Don’t skip the quick release after cooking; this helps prevent overcooking the pasta.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.

variation

You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own Cajun seasoning using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and pepper.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

A delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bold Cajun flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Chicken can be fresh or frozen.
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) Adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta used.
• 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, swap with half-and-half or plant-based cream.
• 1 cup chicken broth Can be homemade or store-bought.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust for milder or spicier flavor.
• 1 each bell pepper, diced Any color bell pepper can be used.
• 1 each onion, diced Yellow or white onion works best.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season to personal preference.
• as needed Vegetable oil or butter for sautéing Use either based on preference.
• as needed Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) Fresh parsley enhances presentation.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a bit of oil or butter.
2. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, then add them to the pot.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.

Cooking

1. Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot.
2. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Once cooking is complete, do a quick release of the pressure.
5. Open the lid, stir the pasta, and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
6. If needed, shred the chicken in the pot.
7. Adjust seasoning as necessary and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure to properly season the chicken for extra flavor. Don’t skip the quick release after cooking to prevent overcooking the pasta. You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.