Creamy Cajun Plant Chicken Pasta

This simple Creamy Cajun Plant Chicken Pasta is a banger of a One-Pot Dinner.

It’s a creamy, vegan, flavor-packed one-pot meal made with smoky homemade Cajun seasoning, tender veggies, and perfectly cooked rigatoni. Vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar create a rich, silky sauce, while spiced Daring Diced Plant Chicken adds protein and heat with paprika, cayenne, and a splash of lemon.

Finished with fresh parsley and vegan Parmesan, this dish is cozy, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or anyone craving comforting plant-based pasta.

3-4Serves

20 minsCook

10 minsPrep

Ingredients

Cajun spice blend:

1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne

For the pasta:

1 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
Cajun spice blend from above
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups vegan chicken or veggie broth
1/2 lb rigatoni pasta (bronze cut)
1/2 cup vegan cream cheese
1/4 cup vegan cheddar or mozzarella
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste

For the Cajun chicken:

1 Package Daring Diced Plant Chicken
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tbsp vegan butter
Sprinkle of cayenne
Squeeze of lemon

For Serving:

Vegan Parmesan, grated
Lemon wedges

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Step 1

Make the spice blend: Mix all spices together in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2

Sauté the veggies: Melt vegan butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Build the flavor base: Add the Cajun spice blend and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until it darkens and caramelizes.

Step 4

Cook the pasta: Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and cook on medium heat for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5

Prepare the Daring: While the pasta cooks, microwave the Daring Diced according to package instructions. Once warm, carefully open the bag and toss with vegan butter, paprika, cayenne, and lemon. Shake or stir to coat.

Step 6

Add cream cheese and cheese: Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the vegan cream cheese and cheddar until melted and creamy. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Taste and season with salt.

Step 7

Add Daring and serve: Mix in the spiced Daring and chopped parsley. Serve with vegan Parmesan and lemon wedges.