1-First Step: Prepare the Cajun Seasoning and Chicken Start by mixing all the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl: 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Coat 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch cubes, with this mixture. This step takes about 5 minutes and infuses the chicken with bold flavors.

2-Second Step: Heat the Skillet Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and foamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This creates a great base for browning the chicken without it sticking.

3-Third Step: Cook the Chicken Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook it until lightly browned, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes. Don’t cook it all the way through at this point; it will finish later in the sauce. This helps lock in juices and adds depth to the dish.

4-Fourth Step: Add the Onion Once the chicken is browned, toss in 1 diced yellow onion and sauté it until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Use a spoon to deglaze any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds extra flavor to the mix.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate Pasta and Liquids Stir in 1/2 pound uncooked penne pasta, 15 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and 2 cups chicken broth. Cover the skillet, bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender.

6-Sixth Step: Finish with Cream Cheese Add 2 ounces of cream cheese in chunks to the skillet and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce turns creamy, which takes 2-3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

7-Final Step: Garnish and Serve Garnish the dish with 3 sliced green onions for a fresh touch, then serve it hot. The total time is around 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner. For more dessert ideas to pair with this meal, check out our light lemon olive oil cake recipe on the blog.