Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

$- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 3 cups chicken broth - 12 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make the Instant Pot creamy Cajun pasta, you need these ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. The olive oil helps sauté the veggies and chicken. The onion and garlic build a strong base for the dish. The colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. For the protein, chicken breast works best. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika give the dish its bold flavor. Chicken broth helps cook the pasta perfectly. Penne pasta is ideal because it holds the sauce well. Heavy cream and cheddar cheese make the dish creamy and rich. Finally, salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch and color. If you want to swap ingredients, here are some ideas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter flavor. You can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. If you need a dairy-free version, try coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese. For the best taste, I recommend using high-quality olive oil, like California Olive Ranch. For Cajun seasoning, look for brands like Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama. These brands pack a punch and enhance the dish’s flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in one finely diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes. The onion should get soft and clear. Next, add three minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. The garlic will smell great. Now, add one pound of diced chicken breast to the pot. Sprinkle in two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir everything well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should turn brown on all sides. Once the chicken is ready, add one diced red bell pepper and one diced green bell pepper. Pour in three cups of chicken broth. Mix it all together so everything is combined well. Now, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by the broth. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the valve to sealing. Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the time for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick release of pressure. Carefully move the valve to venting. Step back as steam escapes. It can be hot. After all the pressure is released, open the lid. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it all blends together and is creamy. Taste the pasta. Add salt and ground black pepper if needed. To cook pasta perfectly in the Instant Pot, follow these steps: 1. Use Enough Liquid: Always use enough broth. I recommend three cups for 12 ounces of penne pasta. 2. Submerge the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is fully covered by the broth to cook evenly. 3. Pressure Cooking Time: Set the timer for 5 minutes. The pasta cooks fast in the Instant Pot. 4. Quick Release: After cooking, do a quick release. This helps prevent overcooking. Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can achieve a great texture with just a few simple steps. Storing leftovers is simple and helps save time later. Here’s how: - Cool Before Storing: Let the pasta cool to room temperature. - Use Airtight Containers: Place the pasta in airtight containers to keep it fresh. - Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results: - Not Enough Liquid: Always use the right amount of chicken broth. Too little will cause burning. - Skipping the Quick Release: Don’t skip the quick release. It prevents mushy pasta. - Overcooking Chicken: Watch the chicken closely. Cook until it’s just done. By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll enjoy a creamy, flavorful Cajun pasta every time. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can always add more spice later if desired. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh bell peppers and garlic. Fresh ingredients can enhance the overall taste of the dish. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to switch out the chicken for shrimp or sausage. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly for different proteins. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. These veggies add great flavor and texture. You can also use canned chickpeas or lentils for protein. They will give the dish a hearty feel. Just sauté the veggies until soft, then follow the same steps in the recipe. If you like spice, add more Cajun seasoning. A pinch of cayenne pepper can boost the heat. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños before cooking. This gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the warmth and flavor they bring to your meal. Cheddar is tasty, but feel free to try other cheeses. Cream cheese can add a rich creaminess. Parmesan gives a salty twist and pairs well with Cajun flavors. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy cheesy bite. Mix and match your favorites to find the perfect blend for your creamy pasta. After you enjoy your meal, store leftovers in a sealed container. Let it cool before sealing. This helps keep flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later. To reheat your creamy Cajun pasta, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This prevents it from drying out. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir gently over low heat until warm. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. You can freeze creamy Cajun pasta for later meals. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change. For example, thin pasta cooks faster than penne. Always check the package for cooking times. Adjust the liquid if needed. More pasta requires more broth for the right texture. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese for a creamy finish. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor as well. Make sure to check the labels for hidden dairy ingredients. This way, you keep the dish rich and tasty without dairy. Cajun pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread complements the flavors too. You might also enjoy steamed veggies or a simple coleslaw. These sides balance the creamy pasta and add freshness to your meal. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. This blog post shared how to make creamy Cajun pasta in the Instant Pot. We covered each ingredient, including tasty substitutions for different diets. You learned vital cooking steps and tips to avoid common mistakes. Variations offer options like vegetarian and spicy mixes. Lastly, we explored storage tips to keep your meals fresh. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to add your twist. Happy cooking!$

Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish cooked in an Instant Pot with Cajun spices, chicken, and creamy cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups chicken broth
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Pour in the olive oil and add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing it to become fragrant.
Add the diced chicken breast into the pot along with the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir everything together well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are evenly browned on all sides.
Introduce the diced red and green bell peppers to the mixture. Then pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined and mixed thoroughly.
Carefully add the penne pasta to the Instant Pot, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the broth. Secure the lid on the pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, perform a quick release of pressure by gently moving the valve to venting. Stand back to avoid the steam release.
Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated and creamy. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as necessary.
Dish up the creamy Cajun pasta into individual bowls and crown each serving with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a colorful touch.

Notes

For an added pop, consider garnishing with a slice of lemon on the side for a zesty contrast alongside the creamy pasta.

Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, instant pot, pasta