Making a yummy pasta dish with spicy sausage is a great way to impress your family and friends! This Cajun chicken sausage pasta recipe mixes together noodles, chicken sausage, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning for an explosion of flavors.
The spicy, smoky sausage pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes and chewy pasta. It comes together quickly on busy weeknights. The recipe is easy to make but tastes gourmet. Keep reading to learn how to cook up this delicious Cajun-inspired meal!
Key Takeaway
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is easy and quick to prepare.
- It uses tasty ingredients like chicken, sausage, and creamy sauce.
- The dish offers a spicy flavor that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients Needed
Credits : Smokin’ & Grillin with AB
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to whipping up a delicious pot of Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta. This flavorful dish calls for a mix of spices, vegetables, proteins, and of course, pasta. Starting with the noodles, penne pasta is a top choice because the tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce in every bite. (1)
Cook it until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed in. Other fun pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini can work too. For protein, chicken and smoked sausage pack a hearty punch. Chicken thighs tend to have more moisture while breasts are lean. Slice the sausage thinly so it cooks up nice and even.
The vegetables – bell peppers, onions, garlic – add great texture and pop of color. Chopping them into small pieces helps them blend into the dish as it all simmers together. To bind everything together, a creamy sauce made with heavy cream or half-and-half gets the job done. Stirring in Parmesan cheese makes it extra decadent.
The sauce thickens up as it cooks. And of course, what makes it Cajun? A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and more give it that signature heat and smokiness. With all these ingredients in one pot, the result is a hearty, comforting pasta dish the whole family will devour. The textures, colors, and flavors come together for a mouthwatering meal.
Cooking Steps
First up is boiling water and cooking the pasta just until it’s nice and firm, not mushy. While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to prep the chicken and sausage. Cut the chicken into small bites and sprinkle on Cajun seasoning to add lots of flavor. Cook it in a skillet until it looks golden brown.
For the sausage, slice it into little rounds then cook it in the same skillet so all the spices mix together. Next toss the onions, bell peppers and garlic into the skillet. Let them cook for a few minutes until they get soft and their flavors combine. Now for the creamy Cajun sauce – pour in heavy cream and let it bubble up, then stir in cheese until it melts and thickens.
Add the cooked chicken and sausage back in and toss everything together with the pasta so it gets a good coating of sauce. Serve it up warm with a little parsley and cheese on top. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful pasta!
Flavor Profile
The explosion of flavors in Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is what makes this dish so popular and fun to eat. It starts with the spicy, smoky taste of the sausage. Andouille sausage is commonly used and gives the pasta a bold, exciting flavor. As the sausage cooks, it releases the spices into the dish, heating things up.
But don’t worry, the creamy sauce cools down the spice to create balance. Mixing heavy cream and gooey melted Parmesan creates a rich, smooth sauce that tames the heat. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the sizzle of the sausage. The fresh vegetables add another layer of texture and taste.
Diced bell peppers and onions give a sweet crunch and delightful colors to the pasta. Garlic brings its signature aroma and savory flavor. These veggies round out the dish. Finally, more Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds a final touch of creaminess.
All the ingredients work together to make a comforting, delicious meal with a unique medley of spicy, smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors. It’s easy to see why this Cajun-style pasta is a crowd favorite that always leaves people wanting more. The blend of tastes satisfies your taste buds!
Variations
One of the great things about Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is how versatile it is. There are so many ways to tweak this recipe to suit different tastes and diets. For spice lovers, bringing on the heat is easy. Adding cayenne pepper or a few shakes of hot sauce can really turn up the dial. (2)
Start with a little at first, taste, and keep adding more spice until the desired level of kick is reached. An alternative is to put crushed red pepper flakes on top so people can adjust the spice themselves. To make a vegetarian or vegan option, the chicken and sausage can be swapped for meatless ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.
Sautéing mushrooms in the sauce gives a hearty, delicious texture. Tofu and tempeh absorb flavors well and can be seasoned up just like the meat. Changing up the sauce is another simple way to put a new spin on the dish. Using tomato sauce or fire-roasted tomatoes instead of heavy cream makes it lighter and brighter.
The tomatoes add acidity that complements the richness of the cream. Tossing in spinach or kale takes it to a healthier level. With all the possible ingredient tweaks and substitutions, the options are endless. Feel free to get creative and make this pasta your own! Whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or with a unique sauce, this recipe can be adapted to suit any taste.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is a tasty dish that’s simple to make. It has a mix of spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors that everyone loves. With chicken, sausage, veggies, and a rich sauce, this pasta is comforting and flavorful.
It’s great for family dinners or when feeding a crowd. The recipe can be changed to make it spicier, vegetarian, or with a different sauce. No matter how you cook it, this Cajun-inspired meal is sure to be a hit. Try this yummy pasta and add it to your regular dinner rotation.
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare chicken sausage cajun pasta for meal prep?
To prepare chicken sausage cajun pasta for meal prep, start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken sausage, cooking until no longer pink. Add the cajun spice mix, minced garlic, and red bell pepper for flavor. Once combined, toss in cooked pasta, cream sauce, and grated parmesan cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.
Can I make creamy cajun chicken pasta dairy free?
Yes, you can make creamy cajun chicken pasta dairy free by replacing cream cheese and heavy whipping cream with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut milk or cashew cream. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing, and select a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The cajun spice mix and fresh parsley will still add bold flavors to this easy pasta dish. Be sure to taste test as you go to adjust seasonings.
What vegetables pair well with cajun chicken and sausage pasta?
Vegetables like green beans, red bell pepper, and green onions work great with cajun chicken and sausage pasta. Thinly sliced bell peppers and tender green beans add crunch, while fresh parsley and green onions provide vibrant color and flavor. Add the vegetables to the skillet while the chicken and sausage cook, and toss them with the pasta sauce to create a balanced main dish.
How can I thicken the cream sauce for creamy cajun chicken pasta?
To thicken the cream sauce, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter or cream cheese while simmering over low heat. For an even creamier texture, add a bit of grated parmesan cheese. If needed, mix a small amount of pasta water with the sauce to maintain the right consistency. Make sure to season with kosher salt and black pepper for a perfect balance of flavors.
Can I make cajun chicken and sausage pasta gluten free?
Yes, you can make cajun chicken and sausage pasta gluten free by using gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that your cajun spice mix and sausage are also labeled gluten free. Cook the pasta in a large pot of water, following the package directions, then toss it with the creamy cajun chicken and sausage sauce. This recipe is perfect for gluten-free pasta dishes the whole family will love.
References
- https://whatsinthepan.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-and-sausage-pasta/
- https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/cajun-chicken-pasta/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
