Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

There's something magical about the perfect cajun chicken sausage pasta that brings families together around the dinner table. This soul-warming dish combines tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, spicy cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this cajun chicken sausage pasta delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

What makes this cajun chicken sausage pasta truly special is how it balances bold Creole spices with creamy comfort. The combination of seasoned chicken breast and quality smoked sausage creates layers of flavor that complement each other beautifully. Plus, this one-pot wonder means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious cajun chicken sausage pasta with loved ones.

Background & Why This Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Stands Out

This cajun chicken sausage pasta recipe draws inspiration from traditional Louisiana cooking, where bold spices and hearty ingredients create unforgettable meals. Unlike many pasta dishes that rely on heavy sauces to mask bland ingredients, this recipe lets each component shine while working together harmoniously. The secret lies in building layers of flavor; from properly seasoning the chicken to choosing the right sausage and balancing the cream sauce perfectly.

What sets this cajun chicken sausage pasta apart from other recipes is the technique of cooking each protein separately before combining them. This ensures both the chicken and sausage maintain their distinct textures and flavors rather than becoming mushy in a one-pot mess. The result is a restaurant-quality cajun chicken sausage pasta that looks as impressive as it tastes, with perfectly tender chicken, crispy-edged sausage, and al dente pasta coated in a velvety cream sauce.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try
• Related
• Pairing
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

For the Protein

• Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• Olive oil
• Cajun seasoning

For the Pasta and Sauce

• Penne or rigatoni pasta
• Onion, diced
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Green bell pepper, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Proteins

1. Season chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Cook chicken pieces for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
4. Remove chicken and set aside; add sliced sausage to the same pan
5. Cook sausage for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned; remove and set aside

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water
2. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté onions for 3 minutes
3. Add bell peppers and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened
4. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan
2. Add heavy cream, paprika, and cayenne pepper; bring to a gentle simmer
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste; adjust spice level as desired

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet with the cream sauce
2. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated
3. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot

Expert Cooking Tips

• Choose Quality Sausage: The foundation of great cajun chicken sausage pasta starts with high-quality andouille sausage. Look for brands that use natural casings and minimal fillers for the best texture and flavor.
• Don't Overcook the Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming tough or dry in your final dish.
• Control the Heat Level: Start with less cayenne pepper than the recipe calls for; you can always add more. Remember that different Cajun seasoning blends vary in spiciness, so taste as you go.
• Perfect Pasta Timing: Cook your pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce. This prevents mushy pasta in your finished dish.
• Build Flavor Layers: Don't skip the step of cooking vegetables until they're properly softened. This develops sweetness that balances the spicy elements beautifully.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Protein Swaps: Transform this dish by substituting shrimp for chicken or using turkey sausage instead of andouille. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage and extra mushrooms for meaty texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The coconut milk adds richness while maintaining the creamy texture you love.
• Pasta Alternatives: While penne works beautifully, try this recipe with rigatoni, fusilli, or even rice for a gluten-free option. Zucchini noodles make an excellent low-carb substitute.
• Spice Level Adjustments: For milder palates, reduce cayenne pepper and use sweet paprika instead of hot. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.
• Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers are traditional, but mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add wonderful variety. Frozen corn kernels provide sweetness that complements the spicy elements perfectly.

Equipment Recommendations

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven is essential for this cajun chicken sausage pasta recipe. The heavy bottom prevents hot spots and ensures even cooking of both proteins and vegetables. A 12-inch skillet provides enough space to cook everything without overcrowding.

Essential Tools:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven (12-inch minimum)
• Sharp chef's knife for uniform cuts
• Cutting board with groove for juices
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander for draining pasta

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cajun chicken sausage pasta in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day as the spices meld together.
• Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual containers for easy weeknight dinners. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Cook the chicken and sausage ahead of time and store separately from the pasta and sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated.
• Reheating Tips: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore the sauce's consistency. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare all vegetables and proteins in advance. Cook the pasta sauce base and store separately; combine everything when ready to serve for the freshest taste.

FAQ

More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try

If you loved this cajun chicken sausage pasta, you'll absolutely want to try these other crowd-pleasing recipes that bring the same comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. Both dishes offer their own unique charm while being just as easy to prepare.

Zucchini Tomato Pasta brings fresh garden flavors to your plate with tender zucchini and ripe tomatoes in a light, herb-infused sauce. It's the perfect lighter option when you want something fresh yet satisfying. Ultimate Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce transforms simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic sauce that rivals any restaurant version. This cajun chicken sausage pasta pairs beautifully with both recipes for variety throughout your week, giving you a trio of pasta perfection that will keep your family excited about dinner time.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed

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Pairing

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