If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in under 45 minutes, this Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is calling your name! Spicy, creamy, and loaded with bold Cajun flavors, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner—because we all know weeknights can get a little crazy!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Bold Cajun flavors: A mix of juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and Cajun seasoning makes every bite irresistible.
- Creamy and cheesy goodness: Parmesan and half-and-half create a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- One-pan wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes, and all the flavor in just one skillet.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, use different pasta, or adjust the spice level to fit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Pasta: I used penne, but fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or noodles work just as well.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a hint of richness.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) work perfectly.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds the signature bold spice—store-bought or homemade.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning perfection.
- Sausage: Smoked sausage brings a deep, savory flavor (and a little extra indulgence!).
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings out the best in every ingredient.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Half and Half: For a perfectly creamy sauce. You can substitute with equal parts milk and heavy cream.
- Parmesan Cheese: Because cheesy pasta is the best kind of pasta!
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken and Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Add the smoked sausage to the same pan and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly crispy.
3. Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the half and half, stirring to deglaze the pan and absorb all those delicious flavors. Let it simmer for a few minutes before stirring in the Parmesan cheese.
4. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and stir until everything is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Grab a fork and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for a real kick.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese for an ultra-lush sauce.
- Use different proteins: Shrimp or turkey sausage would be fantastic swaps.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions to Pair your Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience by pairing it with a few tasty sides. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect way to soak up every last drop of the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta. Try arugula, romaine, or mixed greens with a lemony dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add extra color and nutrients to your meal.
- Cornbread: For a Southern twist, serve this pasta with a side of warm, slightly sweet cornbread.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple yet effective way to add a bit of freshness to the plate.
For an extra treat, finish off with a light dessert like vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet to cleanse your palate!
Storing and Reheating Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
How to Store Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat:
Warm up leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can You Freeze It?
Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well, but if you must, store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
How to make cheesy Cajun chicken pasta?
To make cheesy Cajun chicken pasta, start by cooking your pasta in salted water until al dente. In a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden brown, then set it aside. Sauté smoked sausage until slightly crispy, followed by garlic for added depth. Pour in half and half and Parmesan cheese, stirring to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. Finally, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage, mixing everything together until well coated. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy, flavorful dish!
What kind of sausage goes in Cajun pasta?
Andouille sausage is the best choice for Cajun pasta because of its bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor. If you prefer a milder option, smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage can work well. The key is to use a sausage that complements the robust Cajun seasoning and creamy sauce.
What pasta is best for Cajun pasta?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work best for Cajun pasta because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer a long pasta option, fettuccine or linguine will also work, but they won’t capture the sauce as well as the ridged or tube-shaped pastas.
How to make creamy Cajun chicken?
To make creamy Cajun chicken, start by seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with Cajun seasoning. Sear them in a hot skillet until cooked through, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then pour in half and half (or a mix of milk and heavy cream) along with Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, letting it soak up the creamy, spicy goodness before serving over pasta or rice.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy cooking! 🍝🔥
Other Delicious Pasta Recipes To Try
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Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Make this Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta in under 45 minutes! A creamy, spicy, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta (or any preferred pasta)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Smoked sausage (such as andouille)
- Fresh minced garlic
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Half and half (or a mix of milk & heavy cream)
- Parmesan cheese (for sauce & garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken & Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season the chicken, and cook until golden. Set aside. Cook the sausage until crispy.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add half and half, and stir in Parmesan. Let it simmer until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken, sausage, and pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Substitute shrimp or turkey sausage for variety.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg