This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is one of those dinners that takes under 30 minutes to cook but is always a hit, making it perfect for families and those nights when dinner just needs to be on the table quick.
With juicy chicken and flavor packed sausage, this creamy pasta dish is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce is flavored with cajun spices and garlic but the level of spicy is up to you, add as much or as little chili as you like.
A pasta recipe that never fails to disappoint.
How to make Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
To make Cajun chicken and sausage pasta, the chicken is first mixed with the cajun spices giving them a chance to permeate the meat.
The sausage is then cooked off in a little oil, this starts to flavor the oil, so you can cook the vegetables off in that same oil.
You want to ensure you cook the vegetables over a high heat as this is what starts to charred the edges. This slightly bitter char balances with the cream and cheese and works with the cajun spices. So don't be afraid to use a high heat.
Once the vegetables are lightly cooked, add the chicken breast chunks and color in the oil over a medium-high heat.
The Cajun sauce is then made with and a mixture of chicken broth and half and half, before being thickened with cornstarch.
It is this creamy sauce that adds so much comfort to the dish.
Is Cajun Chicken spicy?
The answer here is you are in control. The level of spiciness is completely up to you.
The recipe calls for plenty of Cajun spice blend, but this adds flavor and depth without any heat.
If you like it hot then there is the optional step of adding chili or ground cayenne pepper. Both will add extra heat to the dish.
But if you are feeding children who don't eat spicy foods (like my youngest!) then don't worry the dish is perfect without the need to add the chili hotness.
This recipe is not traditionally Italian but instead is inspired by the famous Cajun Chicken Pasta from Chili's Grill and Bar. Although unlike Chili's version here the chicken is cooked in the sauce to pack even more into every bite and making it much easier to make at home.
If you are after a more traditional Italian pasta dish then why not try my Creamy Rosemary Chicken Pasta.
What kind of pasta to use in Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta?
I made mine using penne pasta but rigatoni or ziti would be great choices. You could even try a long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
What kind of sausage is used in Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta?
The key to which sausage to use comes down to the smokiness and spiciness of the sausage.
I like to use an Andouille sausage, which does have some spice to it. But when I am making this for the kids I will pick a smoked sausage, which is milder in spice.
You could also try a chorizo sausage (For more info on Chorizo sausage see my info on "What is Chorizo Sausage")
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Can I make my own Cajun Seasoning?
You sure can, in fact I have a recipe here on Sprinkles and Sprouts!
Get the Cajun Seasoning Recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
On the side: To soak up all the creamy Cajun sauce serve this with a side of garlic toast and for a healthy option add a side of 5 minute Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas.
Drink: The Cajun spices here work fabulously well with a well chilled brown ale. Something with a hint of sweetness and smoky notes. If you prefer wine then an unoaked Chardonnay will pair well with the spices or my personal preference is a lightly chilled red Zinfandel.
For other great pasta dishes check out
- Garlic Butter Pasta with Garlic Chicken
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Chorizo Pasta
- Creamy Lemon Salmon Pasta
- Shrimp Chorizo Pasta
- Pasta with Chicken Broth and Butter
- Easy Garlic Bacon Pasta
- Creamy Pepper Steak Pasta
- Black Truffle Pasta
- See ALL 60+ Pasta Recipes
Enjoy x
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Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups chopped smoked sausage/andouille sausage
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper - black or white
- 12 oz pasta - we use penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ cup chicken stock
- ⅔ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon corn starch (cornflour)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese/mozzarella
- 1 green onion - for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into 2-inch chunks.
- Place the chicken in a bowl, add the Cajun seasoning, the paprika, and the ground pepper. Stir well to coat and set to one side.
- Slice the sausage into ½ inch rings.
- Peel and chop the onion, then chop the bell peppers into bite-sized chunks.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or fry pan.
- Add in the sausage and cook over a medium-high heat for 3 minutes until starting to color.
- Add the vegetable and cook over a high heat for 3 minutes until softened and starting to char.
- Add in the crushed garlic and the chicken, reduce the heat and cook on low for 2 minutes.
- Whilst the chicken is cooking bring a large pot of water to boil and then add a good amount of salt.
- Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the packet suggests.
- Add the chicken broth to the chicken and vegetables, and bring to a simmer then add in the half and half and bring back to a simmer.
- Cook for a further 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and slowly add it to your sauce stirring constantly until it thickens
- Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the chicken along half of the shredded cheese.
- Stir everything together adding the pasta cooking water until the sauce is at the consistency you want.
- Serve with the extra cheese and a garnish of green onions.
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
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