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Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Turn up the heat with this irresistible Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet — a one-pan dinner that’s bursting with bold Cajun spices, seared chicken, smoky sausage, and tender pasta wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, cozy night in, or when you’re craving something comforting but easy, this dish is a go-to for fans of easy recipes, dinner ideas, and flavor-packed food ideas. The creamy texture, zesty spice, and satisfying heartiness make every bite unforgettable. It’s the kind of skillet meal that earns a spot in your weekly rotation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz Andouille sausage (or smoked sausage), sliced into rounds
  • 1012 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and set pasta aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, then sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add chopped onion (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Add chicken, sausage, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions and extra Parmesan.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes