Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving something spicy, creamy, and downright delicious? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share this mouthwatering Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that will become a staple in your kitchen, ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right—30-minute meals have never tasted this good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Packed with bold Cajun flavors and creamy goodness.
- One-skillet wonder—less cleanup, more enjoyment!
- Customizable to suit your spice level and dietary preferences.
- Feeds the whole family with hearty portions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this skillet creamy spicy Cajun chicken & sausage pasta:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 oz Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups rotini or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for this creamy garlic pasta masterpiece:
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and cook the sausage slices until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside with the chicken.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- While the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful tips to make this recipe even better:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
- Pasta Choice: Rotini works great, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.
- Customization: Add some color with diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. For a seafood twist, toss in some shrimp!
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly or add a little cornstarch slurry.
How to Serve
This skillet creamy spicy Cajun chicken & sausage pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some ideas to round out the meal:
- Garlic bread: Perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.
- A fresh salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Roasted veggies: Roasted asparagus or broccoli adds a nice contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prepping ahead or storing leftovers? Here’s how:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sausage up to a day in advance, then combine everything when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce.
- Freezing: While the dish freezes well, the cream may separate slightly. For best results, freeze without the cream and stir it in when reheating.
And there you have it—a flavorful, quick, and easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for new weeknight dinner ideas, this skillet creamy spicy Cajun chicken & sausage pasta is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to check out more of our delicious Cajun-inspired recipes like How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta and How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for more meal inspiration. Happy cooking, and see you in the kitchen!
Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 oz Andouille or smoked sausage Andouille or smoked sausage sliced into rounds
- 2 cups rotini or favorite pasta rotini or favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder garlic powder
- 1/2 onion onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Cook sausage slices until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic, then deglaze with chicken broth and stir in heavy cream.
- Cook pasta, combine with sauce, chicken, and sausage, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
