Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

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Spicy, savory, and packed with bold southern flavors, this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food in one pan. Tender bites of chicken breast and smoky andouille sausage are seared to perfection, then tossed with buttery pasta in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Every bite hits with warmth, spice, and satisfaction—making it a go-to weeknight dinner with serious flavor power.

This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also comes together quickly in under 30 minutes, making it a dream for busy evenings. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or simply craving a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this pasta skillet delivers a spicy, smoky, and creamy combo that’s totally irresistible.

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Ingredients for this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 12 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, add the sliced andouille sausage. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

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Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated and submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook over low to medium heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

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Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until the meat is well coated in the sauce and evenly distributed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy finish. Taste and adjust with more Cajun seasoning if desired.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.

• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delicious!
• Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Smoked andouille sausage is the top choice for its bold, spicy flavor. However, kielbasa or smoked turkey sausage are great alternatives.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Just adjust the cook time based on the pasta type.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately spicy, thanks to the Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage. You can reduce the heat by using mild sausage or adjusting the seasoning.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk creamer. Omit or replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free version.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this skillet?

Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make tasty additions. Sauté them with the onions for the best flavor integration.

How can I make this a one-pot meal?

This recipe is already one-pot friendly. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to hold everything, including the pasta and sauce.

What sides go well with this?

A light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect complements to this rich and flavorful dish.

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