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
- 10–12 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
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add chicken, sausage, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions and extra Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes