why make this recipe
Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors in one pot. It combines juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and colorful veggies, all enveloped in a creamy Cajun sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make and cleanup is a breeze!
how to make Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the chicken pieces until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and let simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat and add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until it melts into a sauce.
- Return the sausage and chicken to the skillet and mix in the Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and combine with the skillet mixture.
- Serve hot, adding optional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
how to serve Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet
This dish is best served hot, right out of the skillet. You can add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. It goes well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
how to store Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
tips to make Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet
- For extra heat, add some red pepper flakes or a hot sauce of your choice.
- Feel free to use a mix of your favorite veggies, such as zucchini or spinach.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk.
variation
You can switch up the proteins by using shrimp instead of chicken or sausage for a seafood twist. Another variation is to add more veggies, such as mushrooms or snap peas, for added color and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti or fusilli.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it has a mild spice from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and just heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
Spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet
A delightful one-pot dish that combines juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and colorful veggies in a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage for 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the chicken pieces until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and let simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat and add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until it melts into a sauce.
- Return the sausage and chicken to the skillet and mix in the Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and combine with the skillet mixture.
- Serve hot, adding optional shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Notes
For extra heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can switch up proteins by using shrimp or add more veggies like mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
