Tried this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet and wow—so much bold flavor in just one pan! Definitely adding it to my regular dinner lineup.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 sausages (preferably andouille or smoked sausage), sliced
12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sliced sausages. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sausages are browned.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~700 per serving