Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness); 2 Andouille sausages (or any smoked sausage); 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp oil for cooking; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, then this creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta is about to be your new go-to dinner. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken and sausage, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of spice from Cajun seasoning. It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food, yet it has that little kick that keeps you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta is the perfect balance of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and that dreamy creamy sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. The combination of the Cajun seasoning, garlic, and cream creates a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for coating those noodles. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

(Here’s a quick peek at the key ingredients—don’t forget the full list below!)

Chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
Andouille sausage or any smoked sausage
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or whatever you have on hand)
Cajun seasoning
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Garlic, onions, and bell peppers
Chicken broth
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
A little bit of oil and butter for cooking

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Sausage

First, season your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook it until browned and crispy on the edges. This step will add so much flavor to your dish!

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Once your sausage is cooked, toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any bits of flavor left in the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to save a little bit of pasta water—about a cup—before draining, just in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add your cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Slice the chicken into strips and place it on top of the pasta, along with the sausage. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a little pop of color and serve hot. The creamy, spicy sauce paired with the tender chicken and smoky sausage will have everyone asking for seconds!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t Skip the Cajun Seasoning: It’s what gives this dish its signature kick! You can adjust the amount to your taste, but don’t leave it out.
For Extra Creaminess: Add more Parmesan or a splash of milk if you want a silkier sauce.
Cooking the Chicken Just Right: To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of sausage or chicken, you can swap in shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
Spice Level: Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dish. You can also use dairy-free cheese to keep the creamy texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is rich and hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, try serving it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled glass of iced tea would pair perfectly with the creamy, spiced pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, just pop it in the microwave or heat it on the stove, adding a little splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.

4 FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and sausage in advance and store them separately. When ready to eat, just toss them with the pasta and sauce.
Can I use another type of sausage?
Definitely! You can swap the Andouille sausage for any smoked sausage or even Italian sausage, depending on your flavor preference.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own Cajun seasoning with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. It’s simple and adds great flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and sausage, and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can even use plant-based sausage for a vegan option.

Conclusion

This creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta is one of those meals that’s easy to make but feels like a special treat. The richness of the sauce, the smokiness of the sausage, and the tenderness of the chicken come together in the most delicious way. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want it on repeat!

Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fry, Simmer, Cook
Cuisine: Southern, Cajun

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Description

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, then this creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta is about to be your new go-to dinner. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken and sausage, tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with just the right amount of spice from Cajun seasoning. It’s comfort food with a kick, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite!

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Sausage

Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside. In the same skillet, add the sausage and cook until browned and crispy on the edges.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce coats the pasta. Slice the chicken into strips and add it on top of the pasta along with the sausage. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and serve hot. The creamy sauce with the smoky sausage and tender chicken is sure to be a hit!

Notes

Don’t Skip the Cajun Seasoning: It adds the signature flavor to this dish. Adjust to your spice preference.
For Extra Creaminess: Add more Parmesan or a little milk for a silkier sauce.
Cooking the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature.