Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (Printable Recipe)
A rich, creamy Cajun pasta blending tender chicken and smoky sausage with bold spices and Parmesan.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 oz shell pasta
02 -
Salt for pasta water
→ Protein
03 -
2 chicken breasts, cubed
04 -
7 oz smoked sausage, sliced
→ Sauce
05 -
2 tbsp olive oil
06 -
2 tbsp butter
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
09 -
1 tsp paprika
10 -
½ tsp black pepper
11 -
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
12 -
1 cup heavy cream
13 -
½ cup chicken broth
14 -
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
15 -
Extra Parmesan cheese, grated
16 -
Fresh parsley, finely chopped
17 -
Chili flakes (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and butter. Add chicken cubes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth, scraping the pan to release browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and chili flakes. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 -
Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes. Serve immediately while hot.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For extra heat, increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper. Substitute cooking cream or half-and-half if heavy cream is unavailable for a lighter sauce. Shrimp can be used in place of chicken.