1-Step 1: Create Your Cajun Seasoning In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until evenly blended. This homemade blend gives you complete control over the spice level and ensures fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite. The cayenne pepper provides the heat impressive health benefits of cayenne pepper include metabolism support and anti-inflammatory properties.

2-Step 2: Season and Prep the Chicken Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breast into even cubes, about 1 inch in size. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking throughout. Coat the chicken cubes thoroughly with your homemade Cajun seasoning blend, pressing gently to help the spices adhere to the meat. Let the seasoned chicken sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients. This brief marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the surface of the chicken.

3-Step 3: Brown the Chicken Heat both olive oil and butter in a 4-quart deep skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of oil and butter gives you the best of both worlds the higher smoke point of olive oil and the rich flavor of butter. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Brown the chicken briefly on all sides, about 2-3 minutes total. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken through at this stage you’re just developing a beautiful golden crust and sealing in the juices.

4-Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. The moisture released from the onion helps deglaze the pan, lifting up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your pasta dish. The onions should be soft and slightly caramelized but not burnt.

5-Step 5: Add Liquid Ingredients and Pasta Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, followed by the chicken broth. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir everything together until well combined. The tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, while the broth provides the liquid needed to cook the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.

6-Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while releasing starch that helps thicken the sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is al dente and the sauce has reduced to a thick, coating consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of additional broth. If too thin, continue simmering uncovered for another minute or two.

7-Step 7: Add the Creamy Finish Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and add them to the skillet. Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a silky, creamy texture that coats every piece of pasta. The creaminess balances the spice from the Cajun seasoning and the acidity from the tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.

8-Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. For another delicious pasta option, try our Louisiana chicken pasta recipe for even more Southern-inspired flavors.