One pot meals are my absolute favorite—they’re like a warm hug in a bowl, with minimal cleanup to boot! When I stumbled upon this one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe, I knew I had found a winner. The balance of spicy cajun seasoning and sweet honey butter creates an explosion of flavor that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it all cooks together in one pot, so you can savor every bite without worrying about a pile of dishes waiting for you. Trust me, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll soon be a favorite in yours too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (I love using penne or fusilli!)
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup honey (packed for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium works great)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any colors you like!)
- 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white, your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the One Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Recipe
- First things first, heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. You want it to melt and get bubbly—this is where the magic begins!
- Once the butter is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Next, add your diced chicken to the pot. Sprinkle the cajun seasoning over the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned all over.
- Now, stir in those vibrant bell peppers and the sweet honey. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated and the colors are bright and inviting.
- Pour in the pasta and chicken broth, bringing everything to a rolling boil. This is where it gets exciting!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Give it a good stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. And just like that, you’ve created a delicious one pot wonder!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- One pot means minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
- The combination of spicy cajun flavor and sweet honey butter is simply irresistible.
- It’s a family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Adjust the spice: If you like it hot, don’t be shy with the cajun seasoning! Start with 2 tablespoons, but feel free to add more for an extra kick.
- Perfect pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time! Different pasta shapes can cook at varying rates, so taste a piece a minute or so before the time’s up to get it just right.
- Stir it up: Give the pasta a good stir halfway through simmering to prevent it from sticking together. Trust me, you want each bite to be delightful!
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix up this one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or sausage for a different twist—both pair wonderfully with that cajun kick!
- Mix in more veggies: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Change the pasta: Experiment with different shapes like farfalle or orzo to keep things interesting.
- Go creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Each variation brings its own unique flair, so don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later on!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out and stir occasionally until heated through. Enjoy those comforting flavors again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Factors like the type of pasta and the amount of honey or butter you use can affect the final numbers. Always check your own ingredients for the most accurate nutritional info!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing. You can also cook it from frozen, but it’ll take a bit longer to brown.
What can I substitute for cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have cajun seasoning on hand, a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano can work in a pinch. Adjust the amounts to your taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving for the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta! The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re a heat lover, you can add more cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce when serving for an extra kick!
One Pot Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful one pot dish combining spicy cajun seasoning with sweet honey butter and tender chicken over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken, season with cajun seasoning, and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell peppers and honey, mix well.
- Add pasta and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of cajun seasoning.
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: one pot spicy cajun honey butter chicken pasta recipe
