Ninja Possible Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

Name: Ninja Possible Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb Chicken Breast (diced); 1 lb Rigatoni; 2 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil; 2 1/2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning; 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder; 3/4 tsp Smoked Paprika; 1 1/2 tbsp Butter; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth; 2 cups Half and Half; 10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained); 1 1/4 cups Grated Parmesan; 3/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella; 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 3/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Smoky, peppery, parmesan-crusted Cajun chicken pasta made in the Ninja Possible Cooker. The ultimate elevated comfort dish.

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Ninja Possible Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

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Prep Time 10 min min

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Cook Time 35 min min

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Total Time 45 min

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Serves 6

The Story

If you’ve been following along at Cooking With Dade, you know I’m a sucker for big, bold spices. This isn’t just “creamy pasta”—it’s a smoky, peppery, parmesan-crusted experience. The combination of smoked paprika and green chilies cuts through the richness of the half-and-half, creating a sauce that is velvety without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like a high-end kitchen in the French Quarter.

I love using the Braise function for this specific recipe. While most people just boil pasta, braising the rigatoni directly in the sauce allows the starch to thicken the liquid naturally, turning a simple chicken broth and cream base into a luxurious glaze. Grab your spices and let’s get into it—this one is a guaranteed repeater in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients

2 lb Chicken Breast (diced)
1 lb Rigatoni
2 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 1/2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
3/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
1 1/2 tbsp Butter
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
2 cups Half and Half
10 oz Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained)
1 1/4 cups Grated Parmesan
3/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
3/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set Ninja to Sauté HI. Add oil and butter. Sear chicken for 3–5 minutes.
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 60 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pot.
Add tomatoes and half-and-half. Bring to a boil on Sauté HI.
Stir in rigatoni. Switch to Braise function for 25–30 minutes (Lid ON).
Stir at the 10 and 20-minute marks.
Turn unit OFF. Stir in cheeses. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips & Variations

Don’t have rigatoni? Penne or large shells work beautifully here because they have the “structural integrity” to handle the Braise cycle.
Want to dial up the protein? Swap half the chicken for sliced andouille sausage for an even deeper smoky flavor.
For veggie lovers, toss in some fresh spinach right at the end (during the 5-minute rest) adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.

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