Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

The aroma of spices fills the kitchen, and the vibrant colors of bell peppers and creamy sauce beckon you to dig in. This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. The beauty of this dish lies in its rich, creamy flavor combined with the perfect bite of pasta, all while being effortlessly cooked in your Instant Pot.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. You can also make it ahead of time and store it for a quick reheat on those especially hectic days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The one-pot cooking technique makes cleanup a breeze.
• It’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• The creamy sauce balances the heat from the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
• The dish is easily customizable based on your preferred spice level.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Cajun chicken pasta dish.

For the Chicken

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

For the Sauce & Pasta

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Use any type of pasta you have on hand.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast can be swapped with thighs for more flavor.
• Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Penne or fusilli can be interchanged with any short pasta.
• Cajun seasoning can be substituted with Creole seasoning.

How to Make It

Creating this dish is quick and easy; follow these simple steps.

Brown the chicken

Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned for about 5 minutes.

Sauté the vegetables

Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.

Pour in broth and pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and add the pasta. Close the lid and set to ‘Manual’ for 5 minutes.

Release steam

Once the time is up, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting.

Stir in cream and cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Season to taste

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the cream doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
• Make sure to stir well after adding the cream and cheese for an even sauce.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Perfect for potlucks or casual dinner parties.