The Best Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Cajun Chicken Pasta with smoked sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines spicy cajun flavors with tender chicken and smoked sausage. I love this recipe because you can easily customize it by adjusting the spice level and adding veggies to it like bell peppers or mushrooms. This pasta dish is a great weeknight meal that’s easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for anyone who loves spicy and hearty dishes with bold flavors. The half and half also make this dish lighter than traditional heavy cream-based pasta dishes, making it a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Pasta – I used penne pasta. But any type of pasta will work like fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or noodles. Olive Oil – The best choice is extra virgin olive oil for the added flavor. Chicken – You will need some boneless skinless chicken breasts. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are another option. Cajun Seasoning – Gives the dish a little kick, any store-bought variety will work or you can try making your own cajun seasoning. Salt – Salt is used to season the pasta water and the dish. Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is the best choice. Sausage: Smoked sausage adds some yummy pork flavor to the dish. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic cloves add the best flavor. Jarred garlic will work, but can have a bitter taste. Parsley – Add a layer of herby flavor and it’s also used to garnish the pasta. Half and Half – Makes the pasta creamy and thickens the sauce as well. You could also use half milk and half heavy cream if you don’t have half and half on hand. Parmesan Cheese – It’s added to the dish to make it cheesy and used to garnish before serving.
This delicious cajun chicken and sausage pasta recipe is super easy! All you have to do is boil some penne or your favorite pasta and make a simple sauce. The entire dish comes together in 30 minutes! To start, you’ll need to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Next, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, which means still firm the bite. Then drain the pasta and set it aside for now. While the pasta is cooking, you can begin sautéing the chicken. First, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Then add the pieces of chicken and sprinkle them with the cajun seasoning as well as some salt and black pepper to taste. Now, cook the chicken for about 5 minutes or until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked. Next, add the smoked sausage and cook it for a couple of minutes until it starts to brown. Don’t forget to move it around the pan to get some color on all sides of the sausage. This is one of the keys to making a flavorful dish. After the sausage has some color on it, add the minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Then saute it together with the sausage and chicken for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. If you cook the garlic for more than 30 seconds you risk burning it. Now that everything has been sautéed, begin making the sauce by pouring the half and half into the skillet and bringing it to a boil. Then stir in the parmesan cheese and let the sauce cook for just 30 seconds to a minute to let the cheese incorporate into the sauce. To complete the dish, turn off the heat and add the cooked penne to the skillet. Now, toss everything together to fully coat the pasta in the sauce. Then garnish it with more grated parmesan cheese and parsley. Now, serve the cajun chicken pasta immediately with some Garlic Knots if you like.
What Is Cajun Seasoning Made Of?
Cajun seasoning is typically a mixture of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Some mixtures include oregano as well. So if you don’t have any cajun seasoning on hand or feel like making my cajun spice mix, you can use a combination of these spices. And if your pantry is pretty bare, you can always mix together 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to use as a substitute for cajun seasoning.
What Else Can I Add to Cajun Chicken Pasta?
This dish is really flexible so you can add just about anything you like! Shrimp could be an amazing addition. And sauteed veggies like bell peppers and onions would blend right into the flavor profile. You could even replace the parmesan cheese with cheddar cheese. Just keep in mind that you need enough sauce to coat all the pasta and add-ins.
Storage
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 3-4 days, which makes it perfect for your weekly meal-prep! To reheat, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, and reheat in the microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Freezing
Transfer the cooled cajun chicken pasta to an airtight container or a freezer-safe sealable plastic bag. The pasta can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, remove the container or bag from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, and reheat in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Other Delicious Recipes To Try
Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa Crispy Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta Crack Chicken Penne Creamy Cajun Pastalaya Cajun Pork Bites
title: “Cajun Chicken Pasta” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-21” author: “Nicholas Crabtree”
Be sure to check out my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is the best way to add some excitement to your dinner rotation! This flavorful cream sauce has the best combination of seasonings with diced tomatoes, juicy chicken, my favorite flavor enhancers, and penne pasta. This flavor profile has everything you need to keep things exciting! Feel free to use any kind of pasta that you have on hand, and you can mix things up with different cheese combinations too! You’re going to love this recipe. Don’t miss my PRO tips below!
How to Make It
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner slices. Season each side and dredge it in flour. Sear in olive oil. Set aside and let it rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips. Add the white wine and reduce by half. Melt the butter and add the garlic.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste. Combine the half and half, chicken broth, honey, hot sauce, and seasonings. Add it to the roux in small splashes, stirring continuously. Add the diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer while you boil the pasta to al dente. Stir in the cheese.
Add the penne and stir to combine. Add the chicken and allow it to heat through. Optional: Add a little reserved pasta water if desired to control the consistency. Garnish with cilantro and serve!
Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This does reheat fairly well. Reheating this pasta in a makeshift double boiler on the stove top is the best way to restore it to its original form.
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3-Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan– The same size as pictured in this recipe. Cheese Grater– Always shred your cheese from a block for soups and sauces, it melts and tastes much better than packaged shredded cheese. Kitchen Tongs– Makes it easy to handle the chicken when searing. Pasta Strainer– I have this one and love it. Large Measuring Cup with a Spout Measuring Spoons– I have these magnetic ones which stay nice and organized in my utensil drawer. Pinch Bowls– for measuring out seasonings ahead of time.
