Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta – Creamy & Flavorful
Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is packed with protein, flavor, and comforting ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for a quick dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Before you get started on this delicious dish, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that bring it all together. These ingredients are easy to find and work in harmony to create a mouthwatering meal.
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and creamy texture of the dish. The chicken and sausage bring protein, while the cheeses add richness, and the Cajun seasoning gives it that distinctive, zesty punch.
Step-by-Step Directions to Prepare Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Now, let’s break down the process into simple steps so you can recreate this cheesy Cajun dish at home. It’s a breeze to prepare and cooks up in less than 30 minutes.
1. Cook the Pasta
The first step to making this delicious dish is cooking the pasta. Use 12 ounces of penne or rotini pasta (your choice!) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little bit of pasta water, just in case you want to loosen up the sauce later.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the chicken and sausage. Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken generously with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for that signature spicy and savory kick.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Next, in the same skillet, add your sliced smoked sausage. Allow the sausage to cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly browned and sizzling. This will add an extra layer of smokiness to the dish, which pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning and cream sauce.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, let’s build that rich and creamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.
In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. The broth will deglaze the skillet, picking up all those flavorful bits left behind by the sausage and chicken.
Once simmering, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir it in, allowing the cream to cook for 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce beginning to thicken slightly — that’s exactly what we want.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir everything together. The creamy sauce will start to coat the pasta beautifully. To elevate the flavor even further, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. As the cheeses melt into the sauce, they’ll create a smooth, velvety texture that’ll coat the chicken, sausage, and pasta in cheesy goodness.
Be sure to stir everything gently to make sure the cheese melts completely and coats each piece of chicken, sausage, and pasta. You want every bite to be a cheesy, creamy delight.
5. Serve Your Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Once everything is well-mixed and the cheese has melted, it’s time to serve up this delicious pasta! Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed. Depending on how spicy you like your food, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Serve your Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta hot, and enjoy the savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors in every bite. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown of this dish. Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 500 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
This dish offers a good amount of protein from the chicken and sausage while also providing a satisfying creamy texture from the heavy cream and cheese. It’s a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for comfort food cravings.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
1. Choose Your Pasta Wisely
While penne or rotini work perfectly for this dish, you can get creative with the type of pasta you use. Fusilli, farfalle, or even rigatoni would work wonderfully as well. Choose the pasta shape that will best hold the creamy sauce and cheese.
2. Make It Spicier
If you love spice, don’t hesitate to kick up the Cajun seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the heat to match your preferences. Just be mindful of the heat level, as too much spice can overwhelm the dish.
3. Use a Combination of Cheeses
While cheddar and Parmesan are the perfect combination for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. They will melt beautifully and add different flavor nuances to the dish.
4. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrients
Feel free to throw in some veggies to balance out the richness of the dish. You could add bell peppers, spinach, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs About Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat everything in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Regular Sausage Instead of Smoked Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a lovely smoky flavor to the dish, you can certainly use regular sausage if you have it on hand. Just make sure to cook it until it’s browned and crispy.
Can I Make This Dish Without Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk alternative for the heavy cream. The sauce may be a little thinner, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.
