One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 lb. penne pasta
• 15 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz. cream cheese
• 3 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Stir together the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Slice the chicken into cubes, aiming for 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces. Put the chicken in a bowl, sprinkle the seasoning over it, and toss until the pieces are coated.
2. Set a large deep skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil and butter. When the pan is very hot and the butter has melted into a foamy layer, add the chicken. Cook it for a couple of minutes on each side, only long enough to brown the outside; it should not be fully cooked yet.
3. Stir in the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 2 minutes longer, until it just starts to soften. As it cooks, scrape up the browned bits from the skillet bottom as the onion releases moisture.
4. Add the pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir briefly so the ingredients are evenly distributed, then cover the skillet and bring the broth to a boil.
5. When it reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer the pasta for about 10 minutes, giving it an occasional stir every couple of minutes; by the end, the noodles should be tender and the liquid thickened into a sauce.
6. Drop the cream cheese into the skillet in chunks, and stir until it melts into the sauce. Scatter the sliced green onions over the top and serve.