Description
If you love bold flavors and easy-to-make comfort food, Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is the perfect dish for you. This Southern-inspired meal is packed with juicy chicken, smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of spice. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish never disappoints. The combination of Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta creates an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering ingredients to serving up the perfect bowl. Plus, we’ll share expert tips, variations, and storage methods to help you make this dish your own.
Let’s dive into this delicious, flavor-packed Cajun classic!
Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and Cajun spices.
Protein & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 ounces smoked andouille sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
Seasoning & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
Sauce & Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish & Extras
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced andouille sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, then add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and capture all the flavorful bits. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce, then add the drained pasta. Mix everything together and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, top with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
easy and delecious dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg