Name: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: ½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks; 3 sausages, chopped; ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) chicken broth (about 4 cups); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli preferred); Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

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If you’ve ever wanted to whip up something that’s both bursting with flavor and incredibly comforting, then the Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is your new go-to dish. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs, spicy sausage, and a luscious, creamy sauce infused with a perfectly balanced Cajun seasoning that brings warmth and a little kick to every bite. The magic happens in your Instant Pot, turning this impressive meal into a quick, hands-off experience that delivers dinner on the table without any hassle. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or something to impress friends, this pasta has it all: richness, spice, and an irresistible creamy texture that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish’s bold flavors and creamy consistency. Each component plays a specific role, from adding spice and depth to creating that silky sauce, making the shopping list straightforward but essential.

Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and infusing the base of the dish with richness.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they absorb flavors better than chicken breasts.
Sausages: Adds smoky, savory notes that complement the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed with vegetables.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
Celery stalks: Provides a mild crunch and aromatic base.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that punchy, aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Uncooked pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli work best for capturing the sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the creamy, indulgent sauce that coats every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy note that elevates the dish.
Fresh parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, ground black pepper: The signature Cajun spice blend that makes the dish sing.

How to Make Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the chicken chunks and chopped sausage, letting them brown evenly on all sides. This caramelization step locks in flavor and creates that savory base you’ll build on, so don’t rush it. You’ll start to smell those delicious meaty aromas right away!

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Add Seasoning

Next, toss in the finely chopped yellow onion, celery, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for just a couple of minutes until the veggies soften and become fragrant. Then sprinkle your homemade Cajun spice blend all over the meat and vegetables, mixing well to coat everything evenly. This seasoning layer is what puts the “Cajun” in your Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, which will infuse even more flavor and help cook the pasta perfectly. Add the uncooked pasta right on top but do not stir. The liquid will come up around it as it cooks, ensuring it absorbs all those bold flavors.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the pressure cooker lid tightly and set the valve to SEAL. Select Pressure Cook on high and set the timer for 5 minutes. Depending on your Instant Pot model, it may take about 10 minutes just to reach pressure before the timer counts down. This step perfectly cooks the pasta and melds all the flavors together in no time.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Add Cream

Once the cooking time ends, let your pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes to keep the pasta perfectly tender. Then carefully switch the valve to VENT for a quick release of any remaining pressure. When it’s safe to open the lid, pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the sauce is silky, smooth, and coats all the pasta and meat beautifully.

How to Serve Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of bright color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. A little extra grated Parmesan over the top never hurts either—adds just that little bit of sparkle your dish deserves before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is another incredible match—ideal for soaking up every last bit of that spicy, creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, consider serving this pasta in rustic bowls with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors. You can also offer a small bowl of extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for anyone wanting to turn up the heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before transferring them to airtight containers. The pasta maintains its flavor remarkably well when refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat your Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta slowly over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating helps revive the sauce’s luscious texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they’re leaner and might not stay quite as juicy as thighs. Just be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli hold up well in the Instant Pot and do a great job catching the creamy sauce.

How spicy is the Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The spice level is moderate and customizable. The cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but you can reduce it or add more depending on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To keep it dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker instead?

While possible, the texture and cooking times will differ. Using a slow cooker means the pasta won’t cook in the same way, so it’s easier and tastier to stick with the Instant Pot for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fantastic way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table without all the fuss. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with hearty, satisfying ingredients that’ll warm you up and have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch this become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos!

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs, spicy sausage, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich Cajun-seasoned sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner combining bold spices and comforting creaminess.

Instructions

Sauté the Meat: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add chicken thigh chunks and chopped sausage, browning the meat on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables and Cajun Seasoning: Stir in finely chopped onion, celery, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until vegetables soften and release fragrance. Sprinkle in all Cajun spices: paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat meat and vegetables evenly.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add uncooked pasta and gently press it down into the liquid ensuring it’s mostly submerged but avoiding stirring as it may cause pasta to stick.
Pressure Cook: Secure pressure cooking lid and set valve to SEAL. Select Pressure Cook or Manual mode on high pressure and set timer for 5 minutes. Allow Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook.
Release Pressure: When cooking finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Then carefully use a utensil to move the valve to VENT for quick release. Once pressure is fully released and float valve drops, open lid carefully.
Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli pasta for best texture—avoid thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair.
Natural pressure release for 5 minutes helps prevent pasta from sticking and cooking unevenly.
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
Cuisine: Cajun, American