Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a taste of the vibrant South with our Cajun Sausage Pasta—an irresistible fusion of bold flavors. In this culinary masterpiece, tender chicken and savory sausage take center stage in a rich Cajun-infused sauce. The magic happens as heavy cream is introduced, transforming the dish into a lusciously creamy and comforting experience. Brace yourself for a symphony of spice, smokiness, and decadence in every bite.

We adore flavorful pasta for dinner, especially when the recipes are quick and easy. If you want to spice up your pasta night, try this roasted red pepper pasta, a simple and flavorful dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. For a super cheesy pasta, use your Instant Pot to make this cheesy chicken pasta, a meal the entire family will devour.

What is Cajun pasta?

Cajun pasta is a term that can be applied to any pasta that uses the seasonings and flavors of traditional Cajun cuisine. Cajun pasta usually includes cubed chicken, andouille sausage, or both, and it’s usually cooked together in a creamy, seasoned sauce. Cajun pasta will include Cajun seasoning, a flavorful blend that usually consists of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, celery seed, and red pepper flakes.

Is Cajun pasta spicy?

Cajun food is known for its bold and spicy flavors. Cajun cuisine, which originated in Louisiana, uses a mix of spices that includes some spicy elements. While not every dish is extremely hot, these ‘hotter’ spices usually contribute to a zesty flavor that characterizes Cajun cooking. The spiciness can vary depending on the specific dish and personal preferences, but a noticeable kick is usually present in Cajun recipes.

If you don’t want your dish to be spicy, you can make your own Cajun seasoning that uses less spicy elements, or just add less Cajun seasoning to your pasta as you’re cooking.

What You’ll Love About Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta

• Bold Flavors: This recipe is packed with flavor, from the Cajun seasoning to the rich heavy cream, and of course, the savory andouille sausage.
• Quick and Easy: This cajun pasta only takes about 40 minutes to cook, and while it’s cooked from scratch, the instructions are simple to follow.
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s a surefire hit for family dinners and is even ideal for hectic weeknights.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Chicken thighs or tenders can be used instead.
• Olive oil
• Salt & black pepper
• Cajun seasoning – Creole seasoning works as a suitable replacement if Cajun seasoning isn’t available at your grocery store.
• Andouille sausage – Andouille sausage is known for its spicy flavor. You can replace it with chorizo or mild or medium smoked or Italian sausage if you need a substitution.
• Rigatoni pasta – This shape of noodle is great for gripping onto the sauce, but penne or fusilli pasta can be excellent alternatives. Cook it according to the package directions before you begin.
• Chicken broth – Vegetable broth will work as well, with a slightly different flavor.
• Garlic
• Heavy cream – You can use a half and half for a lighter version if you prefer.
• Parmesan cheese – Instead of powdered parm, pick up a brick of fresh parmesan and grate it with a fine grater. Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a different twist.

How to Make Cajun Sausage With Pasta

STEP ONE: Season the chicken and sear. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook on each side for 8-11 minutes. When it’s done, the chicken should release from the pan and be cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan, slice, and set aside.

STEP TWO: Make the sauce. Deglaze the hot pan with the chicken broth, scraping up the bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the sausage and cook for a few minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, and cook for a minute.

STEP THREE: Make the cream sauce. Add the heavy cream, then cook until it thickens and the sauce is well combined. Stir in the parmesan cheese.

STEP FOUR: Finish the pasta and serve. Add the cooked rotini to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Add the chicken and sausage back to the pan. Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks to Making Perfect Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Make sure your chicken breasts are dry when you set them in the hot pan. This will help give them a better seal and a golden, flavorful exterior.
• Take your time deglazing the pan. There’s so much great flavor in the stuck-on bits! Take your time and try to get them all off so the flavor makes it into your sauce.
• You can use more or less sausage or chicken, or just use one or the other, as you prefer.
• Be careful not to overcook your pasta. The noodles will cook a bit more in the sauce as you reheat the meat, and you don’t want it to end up mushy.

How to Store Leftover Cajun Pasta

In the fridge: To store leftover Cajun chicken and sausage pasta in the fridge, let it cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Your pasta will become even more flavorful as it melds in the fridge. Yum!

In the freezer: If you can’t eat your pasta up in 3 days, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Your leftovers should stay good for about 2-3 months.

How to reheat: When it comes time to reheat your leftovers, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until the pasta is hot. To reheat on the stove, put the pasta in a saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth, as it may dry out while it heats. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until completely warmed through.

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