There’s something magical about a skillet meal that’s hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavors — and Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta is exactly that kind of dish. Imagine tender bites of chicken, smoky slices of sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce that’s bursting with warmth and depth.

Every forkful is a perfect balance of spice, comfort, and creamy indulgence. Inspired by the vibrant cuisine of Louisiana, this recipe brings together the best of Cajun spices, creaminess, and rich savory goodness — all made in one skillet.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it hits all the right notes — spicy, creamy, smoky, and satisfying. The combination of chicken and sausage gives the dish layers of flavor, while the Cajun seasoning provides that irresistible kick that wakes up your taste buds.

The creamy sauce ties everything together, coating the pasta beautifully without feeling heavy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup, quick prep, and minimal mess.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your preference.
• Perfect Comfort Food: Rich and hearty, yet incredibly satisfying.
• Crowd Favorite: Great for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–5 servings
• Calories: ~620 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Cajun-Inspired)

Ingredients

For the Protein:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage (Andouille preferred), sliced into rounds

For the Cajun Seasoning (or use store-bought):

• 1 ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Sauce & Pasta:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 8 oz (225 g) penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix together all the Cajun seasoning ingredients.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with half of the seasoning blend until evenly coated.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage.
2. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers to the skillet.
3. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir to combine.
2. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the sauce.
3. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cover and simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet.
2. Stir well to coat in the creamy sauce.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt, pepper, or Cajun spice).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

How to Serve

• Serve hot straight from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal.
• Pair with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the richness.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the flavors.
• For extra indulgence, top with crispy bacon bits or crushed red pepper flakes.

Recipe Tips

• Use Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun smokiness.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to absorb sauce as it rests.
• Grate Parmesan fresh — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Add a splash of pasta water or milk if the sauce thickens too much upon cooling.
• Control the spice by reducing cayenne or using mild sausage.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp & Chicken Cajun Pasta: Replace sausage with shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-loaded pasta.
3. Cheesy Cajun Pasta: Add shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.
4. Cajun Alfredo Style: Make it richer by substituting part of the cream with cream cheese.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, smoked or pre-cooked sausage works perfectly—just brown it lightly for flavor.

Q2: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well as they hold the sauce beautifully.

Q3: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Absolutely! Reduce the cayenne or use a mild sausage.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, use coconut cream and omit the cheese for a dairy-free version (it’ll add a unique flavor).

Q5: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Simmer a few extra minutes uncovered or stir in a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Sausage & Chicken Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, smoky, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Each ingredient shines: the juicy chicken, the bold sausage, the tender pasta, and the rich Cajun cream sauce that ties it all together. It’s an easy, one-pan recipe that feels indulgent yet simple enough for weeknight cooking.

If you love bold flavors and crave a hearty meal that warms your soul, this is a must-try dish that’ll quickly become a family favorite. Once you make it, you’ll understand why Cajun-style cooking is so loved — it’s food that speaks straight to the heart.