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Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta – Spicy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Comforting One-Pan Dinner

If you're craving a bold, creamy, flavor-packed dinner that delivers both comfort and spice, this Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. It captures everything people love about Cajun cooking — smoky heat, tender meats, colorful vegetables, and richness in every bite — all wrapped in a silky, cheesy cream sauce. This dish features savory Andouille-style sausage, juicy seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Everything simmers together in a deep Cajun-spiced sauce, creating a restaurant-level meal with minimal effort. Whether you're feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of creamy pasta with a spicy kick, this recipe brings unbeatable flavor and irresistible comfort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 1 lb Andouille sausage sliced
  • 1 lb chicken breasts diced (replacing shrimp)
Vegetables
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Base
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta
Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • Additional salt & black pepper to taste
Dairy
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

Step 1 — Boil the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Salt generously.
  3. Cook penne until al dente.
  4. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced chicken.
  3. Season lightly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cook 6–8 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
  5. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 — Brown the Sausage
  1. In the same skillet, add sliced Andouille sausage.
  2. Cook until browned on both sides.
  3. Remove and keep warm.
Step 4 — Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Add remaining butter to the skillet.
  2. Add diced onion, garlic, red pepper, and green pepper.
  3. Cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until juices release.
Step 5 — Build the Cajun Sauce
  1. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and coat the vegetables.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
  3. Add heavy cream, stirring constantly to make a smooth sauce.
  4. Season the sauce with:
  5. Cajun seasoning
  6. Smoked paprika
  7. Cayenne
  8. Red pepper flakes
  9. Salt & black pepper
  10. Simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6 — Add Spinach & Cheese
  1. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt.
  2. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 7 — Combine Everything
  1. Add cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet.
  2. Add the cooked penne pasta.
  3. Toss everything in the creamy Cajun sauce until fully coated.
  4. Simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 8 — Serve
  1. Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Add a splash of milk, broth, or cream.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Cream-based sauces do not freeze well.
🥄 Variations
Extra creamy: Add 2 tbsp cream cheese.
Spicier: Add more cayenne or Cajun seasoning.
Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, peas, or zucchini.
Cheesier: Add mozzarella for stretchiness.
Lower calorie: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes — smoked turkey sausage works great.
2. Can I make this without chicken?
Yes, use all sausage or add shrimp back if desired.
3. Is this recipe very spicy?
Medium heat — adjust cayenne to taste.
4. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner.
5. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely.
6. Can I add cheese on top and bake it?
Yes — broil for 2–3 minutes.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and vegan cheese.
8. How can I thicken the sauce?
Add more Parmesan or simmer longer.
9. Can I swap penne for another pasta?
Yes — rotini, bowtie, or rigatoni work.
10. Does it reheat well?
Very well with added liquid.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal — spicy, creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. The smoky sausage and tender chicken pair beautifully with the velvety Cajun sauce, while the peppers, spinach, and tomatoes add freshness and color.
It’s an effortless dinner that tastes like a restaurant classic, perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you crave a bowl of bold, comforting pasta. Once you try it, it will become one of your go-to recipes for sure.