1-Step 1: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning Start by combining all the spices for your homemade Cajun blend. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Whisk or stir until well combined. This blend will coat your chicken and infuse every bite with that distinctive Louisiana flavor. You can learn more about Cajun seasoning traditions and how these spices work together to create such a memorable taste.

2-Step 2: Season the Chicken Place your cubed chicken breast in a medium bowl and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it. Toss the chicken pieces until they’re completely coated with the spice mixture. Make sure every piece gets an even coating so the flavor distributes throughout the entire dish. The spices will create a beautiful crust on the chicken when it hits the hot pan.

3-Step 3: Brown the Chicken Heat a large, deep skillet (at least 4 quarts) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and become foamy. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook briefly on each side, just long enough to develop a golden-brown exterior. You’re not trying to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage just creating that delicious seared exterior that adds so much flavor to the finished dish. This step usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. The chicken will finish cooking when everything simmers together later.

4-Step 4: Sauté the Onion Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté the onion until it just begins to soften, using the moisture from the onions to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those browned bits, called fond, are packed with concentrated flavor that will dissolve into your sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

5-Step 5: Add Pasta and Liquids Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, and the chicken broth. The tomatoes add wonderful depth and acidity, while the broth will cook the pasta and create your sauce base. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

6-Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened nicely. The starch released from the pasta helps create a silky sauce that clings to every piece. Test the pasta at the 8-minute mark if you prefer it al dente. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

7-Step 7: Add the Creamy Finish Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cream cheese in small chunks around the top of the pasta. Stir gently but continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted into the sauce. This creates that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish so satisfying. The tanginess of the cream cheese also helps balance the spices and tomatoes.

8-Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Top your finished Cajun chicken pasta with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.