This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with Black Beans is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, hearty black beans, and a spicy Cajun kick. It’s an easy-to-make weekday meal that cooks in just three minutes under pressure, making it perfect for busy schedules.
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Inspiration for This Flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta
During my college years working at various chain restaurants like Bennigan’s, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, and Lonestar Steakhouse, I encountered numerous popular dishes. One that stood out was Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta, a customer favorite.
Recalling this, I decided to create a version that utilized ingredients I had on hand—chicken, a red pepper that needed to be used, and some heavy cream nearing its expiration. Initially considering a simple chicken Alfredo, the addition of red pepper led me toward a Southwestern twist.
Incorporating black beans not only added a protein boost but also introduced vibrant color and texture, allowing me to use less chicken without compromising on substance.
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish, imparting its distinctive spicy and smoky flavor. Typically, it includes a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices.
For this recipe, I recommend using Louisiana Fish Fry Company Cajun seasoning, known for its authentic taste and quality. We became fans after touring their facility in Baton Rouge, where we witnessed their passion for Cajun cuisine firsthand.
The seasoning not only adds a gentle heat but also imparts a rich color, ensuring the dish resembles a true Cajun pasta rather than a traditional Alfredo.
Check out our other Instant Pot Cajun Recipes:
Instant Pot Cajun Rice And Beans
Cajun 15 Bean Soup In An Instant Pot
Tips for Sautéing Chicken in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot’s sauté function makes cooking chicken straightforward and efficient. For optimal results, remove the chicken from the refrigerator a few minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
Season both sides generously with black pepper and sea salt or Maldon salt, which acts as a natural tenderizer. Preheating the meat slightly reduces cooking time and promotes even cooking.
Instant Pot Cajun Pasta Ingredients
This recipe has all of the basic ingredients you would see in a one-pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe. The seasoned chicken breast is cut into pieces and cooked in olive oil. To that, add a bit of diced onion. Shallots would also work for this recipe if you have them.
I like to use a garlic press too so that there aren’t big chunks of garlic in the pasta recipe. Try the Zulay stainless steel garlic press, which is easy to use. There’s no need to even peel the garlic ahead of time.
The only other vegetable is a diced red pepper. It is possible to use a green or yellow pepper too, but I like the color the red pepper gives to the pasta.
The tasty Cajun pasta recipe is flavored by Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper. We like a bit of kick but if you are sensitive to the heat, then just add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or skip it altogether.
Rather than using water to cook the pasta ahead of time, use low-sodium chicken broth as the liquid base for the dish. The chicken broth adds a lot more flavor to the dish. Any pasta shape will work, including small shells, elbows, or even fusilli.
Like cooking pasta in an Instant Pot? Check out our Instant Pot Taco Pasta With Black Beans or our Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta With White Beans
For the black beans, be sure to drain the black beans in a colander. Run cold water over the beans until the water starts to run clear. If you just add the beans from the can then the bean “juices” will go with and will turn the pasta a dark and yucky color.
The creaminess of the Cajun chicken pasta comes from heavy cream and shredded cheese. Any shredded cheese will work, including any combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda would be fine. It’s important to shred the cheese ahead of time so that it melts quickly.
How To Make Cajun Chicken Pasta In An Instant Pot
I do love Instant Pot recipes that feel pretty instant, and this is one of them. Start this recipe for Cajun chicken pasta by adding the olive oil to the electric pressure cooker.
Turn the Instant Pot on the saute function. Add the chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. It doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through as it will continue to cook.
Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper. Coat in the olive oil and saute until the vegetables start to sweat, about 2-3 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off and continue to stir the chicken and vegetables so that they don’t stick.
Add one cup of chicken broth to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bit of chicken stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper. Add the black beans and uncooked pasta.
Add one more cup of chicken broth. Try to stir so that the pasta is covered. It’s okay for the beans or vegetables to be on top.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is sealed. Turn the Instant Pot on Pressure Cook and set the time for 3 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the pot to pressurize. When the pot pressurizes, the valve will pop up and the time will count down.
When the three minutes are up, manually release the pressure valve by using a towel or oven mitt to press the release button. Immediately add the shredded cheese and stir. Then add the heavy cream.
Allow the cheese and cream to warm for a minute or two until ready to serve.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta With Black Beans
This instant pot Cajun chicken pasta is creamy comfort food with a little protein boost from canned blacked beans. It’s an easy-to-make weekday meal that only takes three minutes in an electric pressure cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper
- ½ of a small onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 small red pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups dry, uncooked pasta
- 1 15 ounce can cooked, rinsed, and drained black beans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Add olive oil to the electric pressure cooker. Turn the Instant Pot on the saute function. Add the chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper. Coat in the olive oil and saute until the vegetables start to sweat, about 2-3 minutes.
- Turn the Instant Pot off and continue to stir the chicken and vegetables so that they don’t stick. Add one cup of chicken broth to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, black beans, and uncooked pasta.
- Add one more cup of chicken broth. Try to stir so that the pasta is covered. It’s okay for the beans or vegetables to be on top.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is sealed. Turn the Instant Pot on Pressure Cook and set the time for 3 minutes.
- When the three minutes are up, manually release the pressure valve by using a towel or oven mitt.
- Carefully remove the lid. Immediately add the shredded cheese and stir.
- Add the heavy cream. Allow the cheese and cream to warm for a minute or two until ready to serve.
Notes
If you are not familiar with how to cook in an Instant Pot, see our more detailed notes and tips above.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 779Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 121mgSodium 1967mgCarbohydrates 69gFiber 12gSugar 5gProtein 36g
This nutritional data is provided by a third-party source and should not be relied on if you are on a strict diet.
Why Black Beans in Cajun Pasta?
It might sound unconventional, but black beans pair surprisingly well with Cajun flavors. They add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture that balances the spice. Plus, they bulk up the meal and make it even more filling. If you love dishes that fuse bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this Instant Pot Cajun chicken pasta with black beans is a must-try.
Customization Tips
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp or andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper and Cajun seasoning to control the heat intensity.
- Pasta Choices: While penne and rotini work well, feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
This Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta with Black Beans is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings a taste of Louisiana to your kitchen. Its combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty black beans makes it a family favorite that’s both flavorful and filling.
Meal Prep and Storage
This Cajun pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even tastier. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
