Cajun Chicken Pasta Meal Prep | One Pot Recipe

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Thighs are often more flavorful and less expensive.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk is lower in calories, while milk is more budget-friendly.

Slice the onion in half, make thin slices across, then dice into small to medium-sized pieces.

Run the garlic through a fine microplane or box grater to create a paste or chop roughly.

Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips and then dice into even-sized pieces.

Add the chicken to a large mixing bowl and season with onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, red chili powder, smoked paprika, sea salt flakes, and cracked black pepper; mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Heat a large pan or pot over high heat and add olive oil; let it get hot.

Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, spreading it out evenly; sear for about 2.5 to 3 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.

Once the chicken is golden, add the diced onion and garlic; continue to mix for another 2.5 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, followed by the diced or crushed tomatoes and thickened cream; season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper, then mix well.

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then add the penne pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the sauce; cook uncovered for 15 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

After 15 minutes, check that the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened; optionally stir in flat leaf parsley for color.

Remove from stovetop and portion into meal prep containers; top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper if desired.

Let the meal prep containers cool for about 20 minutes before sealing; they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens