Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, smoky sausage, and pasta tossed in a creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce. With just the right amount of spice, this hearty meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you crave a comforting, restaurant-quality dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The luscious cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta beautifully.
- Spicy and Flavorful – Cajun seasoning adds a perfect kick.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup for a hassle-free dinner.
- Customizable – Easily adjustable spice levels and mix-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Andouille sausage, sliced
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Bell pepper (red or green), diced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
- Toss diced chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add butter and cook the sliced andouille sausage until slightly crisp.
- Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Gradually mix in shredded cheddar and parmesan, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine Everything
- Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
- Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Seafood Option – Swap chicken for shrimp or crawfish.
- Vegetable Boost – Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and thickener for the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chorizo work well.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce Cajun seasoning and use a mild sausage.
What cheese melts best for the sauce?
Cheddar and parmesan are great choices, but gouda or Monterey Jack also work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Add extra broth when reheating.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Stir in more broth or cream before serving.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well with a little added liquid.
Can I add tomatoes?
Yes, diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth of flavor.
What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Whether you love bold flavors or need a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
A creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta dish loaded with Cajun flavors, chicken, and smoked sausage.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken and Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a lighter sauce.
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