Instant Pot Copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta
I made Instant Pot Copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta the other day and it turned out so good, I was inspired to make another chicken pasta using different flavors! This one is inspired by Cajun spices, and is a copycat cajun chicken pasta dish, perfect if you want an easy weeknight dinner that is creamy, delicious and easy to cook!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate a fan-favorite dish with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Spice Lovers’ Dream: The Cajun seasoning brings a delightful heat to the chicken pasta.
- Time Saver: The Instant Pot reduces cooking time without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Penne Pasta: Hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provide a lean protein source and a hearty texture to the dish.
- Cajun Seasoning: The star ingredient that gives this dish its bold and flavorful taste.
- Butter: Used to create a creamy sauce, contributing a velvety texture and a buttery taste.
- Half and Half: Helps to mellow out the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning and creates a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Lemon Zest: Brings a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the sauce, balancing the overall taste.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Used to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Tomatoes: Provide a juicy and vibrant element, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce and spicy chicken.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, enhancing its creaminess and providing a rich and savory taste.
How to Cook Cajun Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot?
Here are the steps for cooking this delicious copycat cajun chicken pasta dish.
Step One: Cook the Pasta
- Place the penne pasta in the instant pot and fill with enough water to cover the noodles.
- Close the lid and seal your lid by pushing the valve away from you.
- Set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once your cook time is complete, do a quick release by bringing the valve toward you to open the pressure.
- Drain your noodles in place in a separate bowl. Set aside.
Step Two: Cook Your Chicken
In a skillet:
- You can choose to cook your chicken on the side in the skillet while your pasta is cooking or in the Instant Pot.If you choose this option simply season your chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
In the instant Pot sliced:
- In the instant pot after you are done cooking your pasta. Set to sauté mode. Add 4 tablespoons of oil (enough to cover the center of your pot).
- Season with your Cajun seasoning and slice your chicken into strips and sauté (or cook whole, then slice later).
- Cook until the inside of your chicken reaches 165°.
- If you don’t have a thermometer test the chicken in cooked through using a fork.
In the Instant Pot Whole:
- You can also pressure cook your chicken whole by placing the trivet inside, adding 1 cup of water, and placing your seasoned chicken (sprinkled with Cajun seasoning) on the trivet.
- Close the lid as well as the sealing valve.
- Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release when done. Remove water.
Step Three: Cook the Zesty Sauce
- Continue to keep your instant pot on sauté mode. Add in your butter, half-and-half, lemon zest, pepper, salt.
- And garlic powder to your pot.
- Continue to stir until it starts to bubble.
- Add the pasta back into the pot.
Step Four: Serve Your Cajun Pasta Dish
Serve your pasta, chicken and zesty sauce in a bowl. It’s delicious!
Instant Pot Copycat Cajun Chicken Pasta Cooking Times
(serves 4-6)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (pasta) + 15 minutes (chicken) + 5 minutes (sauce) = 35 minutes total
Total: 40 minutes
What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Pasta?
I love serving my Cajun Chicken Pasta with steamed broccoli, hot rolls and a garden salad!
What Other Recipes Can I Try With This?
You can also try this recipe with shrimp or fish to make it more of an Asian-inspired dish. The possibilities are endless if you mix up the spices and flavors involved!
Where Can I Find More Recipes Like This?
I have hundreds of Instant Pot recipes that you can check out by visiting my site. It’s an amazing resource for busy families, students and more! Click here to check out more pasta recipes!
Busy Now? Why Not Pin This Delicious Pasta Recipe For Later!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Half and Half?
Half and Half is a dairy product that consists of equal parts whole milk and cream, with a small amount of sugar. It gets it’s rich taste from having about 10 to 18% butterfat. We use half and half in this recipe. If you can’t find half and half, then simply use 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and 1 1/2 cups of cream.
What Is Cajun Spice Made From?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Cajun cuisine. The spice blend can vary, but generally consists of paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Other ingredients such as ground oregano and thyme may also be added to enhance the flavor of the Cajun seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Cajun Seasoning?
If you wish to substitute cajun seasoning you may want to opt for the following seasonings: Simply use 2-3 teaspoons of the flavour you pick.
Paprika or smoked paprika
Onion powder
Dried Basil,
Cayenne pepper
Garlic powder or granules
Dried Oregano
Dried Thyme,
What Brands Are Best?
My personal favorite is Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning . I recommend this brand because it’s been around for a long time and they use fresh spices to make their product. You can also make your own homemade Cajun seasoning, which would be way better than anything. Here is a recipe for homemade cajun seasoning.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is the best way to satisfy your craving yet it is a healthier alternative meal. This high-protein meal will definitely love by your whole family.
Ingredients
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 4 Tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cups half and half
- 1/8 tsp of lemon zest
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
STEP ONE: COOK THE PASTA
- Place the penne pasta in the instant pot and fill with enough water to cover the noodles.
- Close the lid and seal your lid by pushing the valve away from you.
- Set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once your cook time is complete, do a quick release by bringing the valve toward you to open the pressure.
- Drain your noodles in place in a separate bowl. Set aside.
STEP TWO: COOK YOUR CHICKEN
In a skillet:
- You can choose to cook your chicken on the side in the skillet while your pasta is cooking or in the Instant Pot.If you choose this option simply season your chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
In the instant Pot sliced:
- In the instant pot after you are done cooking your pasta. Set to sauté mode. Add 4 tablespoons of oil (enough to cover the center of your pot).
- Season with your Cajun seasoning and slice your chicken into strips and sauté (or cook whole, then slice later).
- Cook until the inside of your chicken reaches 165°.
- If you don't have a thermometer test the chicken in cooked through using a fork.
In the Instant Pot Whole:
You can also pressure cook your chicken whole by placing the trivet inside, adding 1 cup of water, and placing your seasoned chicken (sprinkled with Cajun seasoning) on the trivet.
- Close the lid as well as the sealing valve.
- Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release when done. Remove water.
STEP THREE: COOK THE ZESTY SAUCE
- Continue to keep your instant pot on sauté mode. Add in your butter, half-and-half, lemon zest, pepper, salt.
- And garlic powder to your pot.
- Continue to stir until it starts to bubble.
STEP FOUR: SERVE YOUR CAJUN PASTA DISH
Serve your pasta, chicken and zesty sauce in a bowl.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 369Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1431mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 20g
More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
Did you enjoy this Cajun Chicken Recipe? You may also love the following posts:
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Wild Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken
About Angela Milnes
Angela Milnes is a Qualified Teacher who has specialised in Preschool and Kindergarten teaching. She has studied nutrition for children and has also taught cooking skills to adults. Angela loves to share family meals and easy instant pot recipes here on The Inspiration Edit. Follow her on Pinterest!
