Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning In a small bowl, mix together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients: smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Adjust the quantities based on your spice preference, keeping in mind that you can always add more later but can’t remove it once it’s in the dish.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, even-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning mixture, turning to coat all pieces evenly. This step ensures that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Heat olive oil and butter in a deep skillet (preferably a 4-quart size) over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and the butter is completely melted and slightly bubbling. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer, cooking until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. This should only take 3-4 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking later in the process, so don’t worry about it being cooked through at this stage.

For best results, don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, which adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your dish. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients Add the uncooked penne pasta, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. The fire roasted tomatoes will add a wonderful smoky depth to the dish that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.

Step 6: Simmer the Pasta Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue simmering until the pasta is tender and the sauce has started to thicken. The pasta will absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks, creating a cohesive dish.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Sauce Remove the lid and stir in the cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. The sauce should coat the pasta beautifully and have a velvety consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the Cheesy Cajun Pasta with sliced green onions for a fresh, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. The dish is now ready to enjoy!