Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and rich creamy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a great choice for many reasons. First, it is simple and quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, it uses minimal dishes, allowing for easy cleanup after a delicious dinner. Lastly, the combination of spicy and creamy flavors makes this dish incredibly comforting and enjoyable, satisfying those comfort food cravings with a bit of a kick!

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 links smoked sausage, sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to your liking
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook sausage slices for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
5. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom.
7. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Return chicken, sausage, and pasta into the skillet. Toss everything in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet warm, directly from the stovetop. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you like, you can also sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese or a little more Cajun seasoning on top for an extra kick!

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

1. Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish. Bell peppers, onions, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
2. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking.
3. Make sure to save the pasta water; it helps to thicken the sauce and make it creamier.

Variation

You can easily make a lighter version of this dish by using grilled chicken instead of sausage and swapping heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or rotini.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level can vary based on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer less heat, start with a smaller amount.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components (cook the chicken, sausage, and pasta) ahead of time and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

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• Author: hamidkom
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delightful one-pan meal combining Cajun seasoning with chicken, sausage, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 links smoked sausage, sliced
• 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to your liking
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving 1 cup of the pasta water.
2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook sausage slices for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
5. Melt butter in the skillet and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Add chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom.
7. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Return chicken, sausage, and pasta into the skillet. Toss everything in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Customize with vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor. For a lighter version, use grilled chicken and low-fat milk.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun