Creamy Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

Here’s a dish that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Louisiana: my absolutely irresistible creamy Cajun chicken sausage pasta! With a symphony of andouille sausage, smoky Cajun spices, and vibrant bell peppers, this meal is like a jazzy night out but in pasta form. Ready to spice up your dinner game? Let’s dive in!

I adore the combination of flavors in my pasta with creamy Cajun chicken sausage. The rich heavy cream mingles perfectly with the bold Cajun seasoning and the smokiness of andouille sausage.

Red and yellow bell peppers give a vitamin boost and a pretty color pop. The plentiful protein combined with the relatively low-carb penne makes this a deliciously balanced dish.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and is a versatile base for the dish.
• Andouille Sausage: Offers protein and a smoky, spicy flavor signature to Cajun dishes.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source that is low in fat and versatile in preparation.
• Cajun Seasoning: A blend that adds heat and depth with spices like paprika and cayenne.
• Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, they add color and sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic boost, known for heart-health benefits.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess, creating a luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese with umami flavor, contributing a nutty, salty taste.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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How to Make this

1. Prepare the penne pasta in the same way you would for making a macaroni salad. While it cooks, make the sauce in the next step. If you finish the sauce before the pasta is done, keep it warm while the pasta finishes cooking. When the pasta is done, drain it and mix it with the warm sauce.

2. In a large skillet, medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the andouille sausage, sliced, and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same frying pan, place the chicken strips. Add the Cajun spice mix, and stir-fry until the strips are golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

4. In the skillet, combine sliced red and yellow bell peppers with the chicken, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers become tender.

5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until it’s fragrant.

6. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring infrequently, and allow it to cook for 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to marry. Then stir in the chicken and vegetables.

7. Lower the heat and incorporate the grated Parmesan, letting it melt and thicken the sauce.

8. Mix the sauce with the cooked andouille sausage returning it to the skillet.

9. In the skillet, mix the cooked penne pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

10. Before serving the creamy Cajun chicken sausage pasta hot, chop some fresh parsley to use as a garnish.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Strainer or colander
3. Large skillet or frying pan
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
9. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
10. Mixing bowl

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?A: Yes, your favorite smoked sausage or even spicy Italian sausage can stand in for andouille. The result will be similar, but may lean more toward the flavor profile of those other types of sausage.
• Q: Is the dish too spicy?A: The dish is moderately spicy. If you want it less spicy, cut back on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use.
• Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?Certainly! If you don’t have penne, you can use any short pasta shape, including rigatoni or rotini. They would all work well in this recipe.
• Q: Can the heavy cream be substituted?A: You can use half-and-half for a lighter version; however, the sauce will be less creamy.
• Q: What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?A: You can use other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano to make the substitution.
• Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?A. The pasta and chopped vegetables can be prepared beforehand. The chicken and sausage can be cooked and refrigerated separately. Everything can then be combined and heated before serving.
• Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?A: To have a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a substitute for cheese that is also dairy-free.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If penne pasta is not available, you can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.
Smoked sausage or chorizo can be used in place of andouille sausage.
You can use half-and-half for a lighter option instead of heavy cream.
For an option that is vegetarian, substitute chicken for sliced mushrooms or zucchini.
If you cannot find Parmesan cheese for a recipe, use Romano cheese instead.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients Ahead Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Slice the sausage, chicken, and bell peppers, and grate the Parmesan cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process.

2. Season in Layers As you cook each component (sausage, then chicken, and then veggies), taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning. This layered approach ensures every bite is flavorful.

3. Parmesan Addition When adding Parmesan cheese, do it gradually, and stir continuously to allow it to melt smoothly without clumping. This will also help thicken the sauce nicely.

4. Reserve Pasta Water Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the pasta water. Adding a splash of it to the sauce can help achieve your desired consistency by thinning the sauce slightly if it’s too thick.

5. Rest the Dish Before Serving After combining everything, let the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the pasta to absorb more flavor from the sauce and helps the dish meld together harmoniously.