Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 links smoked sausage, sliced; 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. It’s an easy one-pan meal that brings bold southern flavors to your dinner table in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a quick and satisfying one-skillet meal — perfect for busy weeknights.
The creamy Cajun sauce is both spicy and comforting.
You can easily adjust the heat level to your taste.
It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and rich sauce all in one dish.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 links smoked sausage, sliced
12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to your liking
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the sliced sausage for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Melt the butter in the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return the cooked chicken, sausage, and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together in the creamy sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for more heat.
Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Cheesier Option: Add shredded mozzarella for a richer, gooier sauce.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese amount slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use fettuccine, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

2. How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can control the heat by using less or more seasoning.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cook the sauce and proteins ahead, then combine with pasta when ready to serve.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning for any gluten additives.

6. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat on medium when adding cream and cheese, and stir continuously to create a smooth sauce.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

8. What vegetables go well with this pasta?

Bell peppers, onions, and spinach complement the creamy Cajun flavors beautifully.

9. How do I make it less spicy?

Use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount by half.

10. Can I add shrimp to this recipe?

Yes! Add shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking — they cook quickly and pair perfectly with the Cajun sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, smoky, and bursting with bold flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it delivers restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve it warm and enjoy a satisfying Southern-inspired meal that everyone will love.