1-Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning and Chicken Start by mixing your Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne and add more later if needed. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels, then toss the chicken pieces in the seasoning blend, making sure each piece is well coated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

2-Step 2: Brown the Chicken Heat a large, deep skillet (ideally 4-quart capacity) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and a knob of butter, letting the butter melt and foam slightly. The combination of oil and butter gives you the best of both worlds: a higher smoke point from the oil and rich flavor from the butter. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is nicely browned but the interior is still slightly pink. The chicken will finish cooking through during the simmering step.

3-Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Deglaze Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. As the onion releases its moisture, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all that concentrated flavor into your dish. The natural sugars in the onion will also begin to caramelize slightly, adding another layer of sweetness that balances the spicy Cajun seasoning.

4-Step 4: Add Pasta, Tomatoes, and Broth Now it’s time for the one-pot magic. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, and the chicken broth. The liquid should completely cover the pasta; add a bit more broth or water if needed. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

5-Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the liquid as it cooks, releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. Check the pasta for doneness by tasting a piece. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If the pasta is still too firm but most of the liquid is absorbed, add a splash more broth and continue cooking.

6-Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, add the cream cheese in small chunks. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. The cream cheese transforms the tomato-based sauce into something rich and velvety without being heavy. It also helps mellow out the heat from the Cajun seasoning, making the dish more family-friendly.

7-Step 7: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from the heat and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta. Serve hot, ideally with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce. For more creamy pasta inspiration, check out our creamy chicken and bacon pasta recipe that’s equally satisfying.