Sizzling Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe – Spicy Comfort on a Plate

Whipping up a delectable cajun chicken pasta promises an explosion of zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Culinary adventures beckon with this spicy southern-inspired dish.

Bold seasonings mingle seamlessly with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles.

Vibrant paprika, cayenne, and herbs create a symphony of taste that electrifies dinner.

Quick and straightforward preparation means you can craft this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

creamy sauce coats each strand, delivering a rich, mouth-watering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hungry diners won’t be able to resist this irresistible blend of comfort and excitement.

Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta That Warms With Spice

• Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Spice Level Flexibility: The Cajun seasoning allows home cooks to adjust heat intensity, making it adaptable for mild-loving kids or spice-seeking adults by simply increasing or decreasing the seasoning amount.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizing dirty dishes and cooking everything in a single skillet means faster preparation and easier cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
• Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Combining chicken and sausage creates a hearty, filling dish that provides substantial nutrition and keeps hunger at bay, making it an excellent option for hungry households seeking a complete meal.

Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Andouille Sausage: Spicy Cajun-style sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the pasta.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sausage.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature blend that brings authentic Louisiana-style heat and complexity to the dish.

• Pasta: Ideal for holding the creamy sauce and absorbing flavors, choose a shape like penne or fettuccine.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, rich base for the sauce that coats the pasta and meat.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create a silky sauce consistency.

• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic base that complements the Cajun spices.
• Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds a mild, crisp finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a non-stick surface in the skillet.

Cajun Pasta Cooking Method

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Grab a large skillet and pour in olive oil.

Crank up the heat to medium-high, letting the oil shimmer and dance with anticipation.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cajun seasoning

Massage those spices into the meat, creating a flavor-packed coating that’ll make your taste buds jump for joy.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Let it sizzle and transform into a beautiful golden-brown masterpiece.

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Once done, transfer to a plate and let it rest.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Sausage

In the same magical skillet, add sliced sausage.

Let them brown and develop those irresistible crispy edges for 3-4 minutes.

Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Cajun Base

In the skillet filled with those delicious browned bits, you’ll start creating the luxurious sauce that’ll bring everything together.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add ingredients to build a rich, spicy cream sauce that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Step 7: Combine and Simmer

Reunite the chicken and sausage with the creamy sauce, letting all the flavors mingle and get acquainted.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Boil pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Drain and get ready for the final magic.

Step 9: Toss and Serve

Combine the pasta with the creamy Cajun protein mixture.

Stir gently, ensuring every inch of pasta gets coated in that incredible sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with pure excitement!

Pasta Tips For Cajun Chicken And Sausage

• Mix Cajun spices in advance and store in an airtight container for quick, consistent flavor every time you cook.
• Pat chicken and sausage dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of this dish.
• Customize heat by gradually adding Cajun seasoning or using a mild blend for those who prefer less intense flavors.

Making Cajun Chicken Pasta Good Later

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy sauce's consistency.

Pasta Companions for Cajun Chicken

• Pair Wine to Complement Spice: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the Cajun seasoning's heat and cut through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Match Regional Beverage: Enjoy an ice-cold Louisiana-brewed beer like Abita Amber or Bayou Teche LA-31 to honor the Cajun roots and complement the bold flavor profile.
• Create Side Salad Harmony: Prepare a zesty mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing to provide a fresh, light contrast against the pasta's heavy, spicy components.
• Enhance Dining Experience: Serve warm, crusty French bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add a textural element that complements the pasta's soft, rich texture.

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Flavor Paths

• Vegetarian Veggie Pasta: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use smoked paprika and extra Cajun seasoning for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Keep Cajun seasoning and protein for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that's equally satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Select dairy-free sausage alternatives and nutritional yeast for added creaminess without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning, and can I make it at home?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. You can easily make it at home by mixing these dried spices in equal proportions, adjusting the heat level to your preference.

• How spicy is this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to taste. You can also use a mild Cajun seasoning blend or reduce the cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work great because they trap the creamy sauce well. These shapes help ensure you get a perfect bite of sauce, chicken, and sausage in every forkful.

• Can I use different proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or swap the sausage for shrimp, or use a mix of proteins. Just ensure you cook each protein to its recommended internal temperature for food safety.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cajun chicken and sausage pasta delivers a fiery Southern embrace with rich, bold flavors dancing through each savory bite. Hearty ingredients meld into a creamy, zesty masterpiece that pulls you straight to Louisiana’s passionate culinary heart.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Andouille sausage, sliced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon additional Cajun seasoning (optional)

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cast-iron skillet over robust medium-high heat, generously coating the surface with fragrant olive oil.
2. Meticulously coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and half the zesty Cajun seasoning.
3. Carefully nestle seasoned chicken into the sizzling skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through.
4. Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a resting plate, letting the juices redistribute and flavors intensify.
5. Within the same skillet, introduce sliced sausage, allowing each piece to caramelize and develop a rich, deep bronze exterior for roughly 3-4 minutes.
6. Gently extract sausage and place alongside the rested chicken, preserving the accumulated flavor-packed drippings in the pan.
7. Lower the heat and introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
8. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to incorporate the residual pan remnants and create a velvety base.
9. Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning into the cream sauce, creating a vibrant, rustic color and intensifying the spicy profile.
10. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
11. Reintroduce chicken and sausage into the creamy sauce, gently coating each morsel.
12. Fold cooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring every strand becomes enrobed in the luxurious, spice-laden sauce.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of verdant color and brightness.

Notes

• Choose andouille or spicy smoked sausage for an authentic Cajun flavor profile that adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Use low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt levels, especially if using pre-seasoned sausage which can be quite salty.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 730
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg