This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is packed with bold Cajun flavors, juicy chicken, smoky sausage, mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan sauce.
You know how some recipes just happen when you’re staring into the fridge, hoping inspiration hits? That’s exactly how this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta came to life for me.
It was one of those chaotic, what-are-we-even-eating kind of nights. I had a pack of chicken, a lonely sausage link, and half a container of cream giving me the look. You know, that “use me before I expire” stare? So I threw them together with some pasta, mushrooms, and my go-to Cajun seasoning.
Honestly, I expected it to be fine. But the first bite? Total game-changer. Creamy, just spicy enough, and packed with smoky goodness—it was so good I didn’t even have leftovers for lunch the next day. My husband kept sneaking back for seconds…and thirds. Now, it’s our ultimate comfort dinner for when we want something indulgent but not fussy.
And trust me—you’re going to fall in love too.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta Recipe?
This isn’t just another pasta recipe—this one hits different.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes. Yes, seriously.
- One Skillet Wonder: Fewer dishes? Yes, please.
- Loaded with Flavor: Smoky, creamy, a little heat—perfection.
- Comfort Food Upgrade: Fancy enough for date night, but chill enough for weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love it.
Ingredient Notes:
The magic here is all in the simple ingredients.
- Chicken Breasts: I usually go for chicken breasts because they cook fast, but thighs? Even juicier.
- Smoked Sausage: Andouille gives that classic Cajun kick, but kielbasa works too.
- Pasta: Penne is perfect for holding sauce, but you can totally swap it for rigatoni or even fettuccine.
- Cajun Seasoning: The soul of the dish. Adjust the heat to your liking.
- Heavy Cream: Because we deserve a rich, velvety sauce every now and then, right?
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, please! It melts way better than the pre-shredded kind.
- Mushrooms: I use baby Bella mushrooms, but white mushrooms work too.
How To Make Creamy Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta?
This recipe? Total weeknight hero. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne pasta until it’s just al dente—firm but still tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove, slice, and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Sausage and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced sausage and let it brown for 2-3 minutes per side. Once golden, remove and set aside. Then, add another tablespoon of butter and sauté the mushrooms until they’re tender and browned. Remove those too.
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Step 4: Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
Melt the final tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, then slowly add the heavy cream. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Let it all simmer gently while you whisk in the Parmesan cheese. It should turn into a velvety, thick sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta back into the sauce, tossing until coated. Stir in the sliced chicken, sausage, and mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything’s heated through.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Plate it up while it’s hot! Garnish with a little extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep it saucy.
- Freezer: Cream sauces can separate, so it’s best enjoyed fresh—but I doubt you’ll have leftovers anyway!
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like switching things up? Here’s how:
- Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or double the Cajun seasoning.
- Protein Twist: Try shrimp, turkey sausage, or even tofu.
- Veggie Boost: Bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, please.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
What to Serve with Creamy Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta?
This pasta’s bold, so keep sides simple:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs = happiness.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp, fresh, and light—perfect balance.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthier option that still pairs beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the pasta and sauce separately, then reheat gently before serving.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s got a mild kick! If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Totally! Swap regular penne for gluten-free pasta, and double-check your Cajun seasoning blend.
This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta isn’t just dinner—it’s a whole vibe. Bold, creamy, and comforting with just the right kick of spice. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, date night, or impressing your friends, this dish delivers.
So, what do you think? Ready to spice things up? Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear from you!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Creamy Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 1 lb. chicken breasts
- 6 oz. smoked sausage sliced into ¼ inch pieces
- 8 oz. baby Bella mushrooms sliced
- Cajun seasoning to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth sodium-free
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt to taste
Pasta:
- 8 oz. penne pasta
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta following the instructions, on the package. Once cooked drain it. Set it aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and Italian seasonings. Heat up a skillet. Sear the chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon of butter for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Once cooked through remove them from the skillet slice them up and set them aside.
- In the skillet brown the sliced sausage for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Afterward, remove it from the skillet. Set it aside as well.
- Using that same skillet again melt another tablespoon of butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms until they become moist and darkened in color. Remove them from the skillet.
- Now melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Cook minced garlic until it turns slightly browned. Pour in some chicken broth along with Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream. Allow it to simmer while adding Cajun seasoning, paprika and garlic powder to enhance its flavor.
- Next up is whisking in Parmesan cheese into this mixture until it thickens for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste it along with adding some salt if needed.
- Finally add your pasta into this sauce mixture. Stir everything together well. Reheat your chicken slices, sausage slices as well and mushrooms together in that same pan, for around 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve your Creamy Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta immediately so you can indulge yourself with its flavors.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
