Description
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine right in your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe features tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a creamy, zesty sauce infused with Cajun spices. It’s a one-pot wonder that not only delights the palate but also simplifies cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. With customizable heat levels and versatile ingredients, this dish can easily be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Whether served family-style or plated individually, Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 pound sliced smoked sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente; drain and reserve ½ cup of cooking water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté diced chicken until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add sliced sausage and cook until golden brown.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper; cook until softened (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Cajun seasoning; simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return cooked chicken to skillet along with drained pasta; toss gently and add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Louisiana
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: For added flavor, use high-quality sausage and adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. You can incorporate veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.