1-First Steps and Searing the Chicken: Begin by combining the Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Coat 1 pound of cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts with this mix for that signature spice.

2-First Steps and Searing the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot and foamy. Add the seasoned chicken and cook it briefly until the outside browns, but don’t cook it all the way through yet. This step locks in those juicy flavors without overdoing it.

3-Building the Dish: Once the chicken is browned, toss in 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté until it softens. The onion’s moisture helps scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet, adding depth to your sauce. Next, stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta, one 14.5-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Mix everything well to combine.

4-Building the Dish: Cover the skillet and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure it cooks evenly. After that, add 4 ounces of cream cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce that ties the whole dish together.

5-Finishing Touches: Top your pasta with 2 sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. The whole process takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick dinner win. Serve it hot, and feel free to adjust based on your tastes, like adding extra veggies for more crunch.