Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouth-watering Cajun Chicken Pasta that will transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! This recipe isn't just a meal - it's a culinary adventure that combines the bold, fiery flavors of Cajun cuisine with creamy, perfectly cooked pasta and succulent chicken. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this Cajun Chicken Pasta with Andouille sausage is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Season sliced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Ensure chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown and release its oils. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside with the sausage.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with the peppers. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Return chicken and sausage to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and gently toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Spice Management: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed - you can always add heat, but you can't take it away!
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water is liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Sausage Selection: Use authentic andouille sausage for the most authentic Cajun flavor. If unavailable, a spicy smoked sausage can be a good substitute.
- Cream Sauce Secret: Keep the heat medium-low when adding cream to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy.
- Protein Perfection: Ensure your chicken is cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh is Best: If possible, use fresh garlic and bell peppers for maximum flavor and texture.
- Garnish Game: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a fresh pop of color and flavor to the final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 750kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 180mg
