Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta: A Spicy & Delicious Recipe

Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta: Prepare to be transported to the heart of Louisiana with every single bite! Imagine tender pasta, coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, studded with flavorful chicken sausage and vibrant vegetables. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of bold flavors that will leave you craving more.

Cajun cuisine, born from the ingenuity of French-Acadian settlers in Louisiana, is all about making the most of simple ingredients and creating dishes bursting with personality. While the exact origins of Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta are more modern, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Cajun cooking – hearty, flavorful, and designed to bring people together. It takes the traditional flavors of the bayou and presents them in an accessible and comforting pasta dish.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy and spicy, the satisfying chew of the pasta, and the savory goodness of the chicken sausage. It’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is always a winner. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make and how much flavor it packs!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cajun Chicken Sausage:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Cajun Chicken Sausage

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to really massage the spices in!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; the caramelized vegetables add a lot of flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Cook Chicken: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove from Heat: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. We’ll add this to the pasta later.

Cooking the Pasta and Making the Cream Sauce

1. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold and will help create a creamy sauce.
2. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
3. Make the Roux: In the same pot you cooked the pasta (wipe it clean first), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth paste, known as a roux. This is the base of our creamy sauce, so don’t skip this step! The roux should be a light golden color.
4. Add Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in Heavy Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Assembling the Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add Chicken Sausage: Add the cooked Cajun chicken sausage and vegetables to the pasta. Toss gently to combine everything.
3. Simmer: Let the pasta simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for a truly flavorful dish.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning to your liking.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. I like to add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to control the spice level. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes as well.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Sausage: If you can’t find Cajun chicken sausage, you can use regular chicken sausage or Italian sausage. Just be sure to add the Cajun seasoning to the sausage while cooking.
• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese in the sauce, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
• Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken sausage and add more vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Cajun chicken sausage and the creamy sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine everything together.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cajun chicken sausage pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Cajun chicken sausage pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the satisfying snap of the perfectly cooked pasta to the spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning and the savory richness of the chicken sausage, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

But what truly makes this dish a must-try is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some grilled shrimp or crawfish for an extra dose of Cajun flair. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. A splash of heavy cream at the end will make it even richer and more decadent.

Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities are endless! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And for a truly authentic Cajun experience, serve it with a side of cornbread. If you’re looking to elevate the presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

This Cajun chicken sausage pasta is also fantastic for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect lunch option for the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can even freeze it for longer storage. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. And the best part is, it’s so easy to make that you can whip it up any night of the week.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’ve put their own spin on my recipes.

Don’t be shy – let me know what you think of this Cajun chicken sausage pasta! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures.