There’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful dish to bring friends and family together, and the Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe does just that with its bold spices and comforting textures. This dish perfectly balances tender chicken, smoky sausage, crisp bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed in a luscious, creamy sauce seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend. If you crave a weeknight winner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward, but each item plays a crucial role in building flavors, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to your plate. From the protein-packed chicken and sausage to the medley of spices and fresh herbs, everything here works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable meal.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed): Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the spices beautifully.
- 14 ounces hot smoked sausage (like andouille, sliced): Adds a smoky depth and a little spicy kick to elevate the pasta.
- 2 bell peppers (cored, seeded, and sliced): Bring fresh sweetness and a pop of color; red and green peppers create a lovely contrast.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Offers aromatic sweetness that softens and blends perfectly with the spices.
- 1 pound campanelle pasta (uncooked): A fun, ruffled shape that holds onto the sauce with every bite.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses the pasta with savory flavor.
- 1 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio): Adds subtle acidity and depth to balance the richness of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning mix: The heart of the dish’s bold, spicy personality (see the recipe below).
- 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty creaminess that melts into the sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds velvety richness for that classic pasta indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley: Lends a fresh, herbaceous brightness to finish.
- 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder: Deepens the savory and aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Packs a controlled heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming it.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the natural sweetness and depth of the spices.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy undertone that complements the boldness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle sharpness that ties the seasonings together.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste): Balances all the flavors and brings everything into harmony.
How to Make Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cajun Spice Mix
First things first, mix together all the Cajun spice ingredients—garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt—in a small bowl. This homemade blend is what gives the dish its unique kick and complex flavor profile, so take a minute to make it fresh rather than using a pre-mixed powder.
Step 2: Combine Your Main Ingredients
Grab a Dutch oven or a large 12-inch braising pan and add the cubed chicken, sliced smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, diced onion, and uncooked campanelle pasta. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and dry white wine, then sprinkle the Cajun seasoning mix over everything. Give it a good stir to combine all those lively ingredients, setting the stage for the flavors to mingle.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Protein
Cover the pot and bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The goal here is to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, with a slight firmness that adds to the dish’s texture and holds up nicely against the rich sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, which melts beautifully into the hot pasta and broth, creating a lush sauce. Next, fold in the heavy cream, giving the dish it’s signature richness. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds that vibrant touch of color and freshness that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, fresh Italian parsley is an absolute must to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. If you like an extra pop of heat, a dash of paprika or a light drizzle of hot sauce can amp up the Cajun vibe. Don’t shy away from freshly grated Parmesan as well—it’s the perfect finishing touch that adds a little salty tang.
Side Dishes
This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe shines best alongside simple, crunchy sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that soak up any lovely sauce that escapes from your plate. Garlic bread is always a winner for soaking up extra creamy goodness, plus it adds that comforting carb element that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at dinner? Serve this in individual shallow bowls to showcase the pasta’s ruffled edges and the colorful peppers. For a fun twist, garnish with thin lemon wedges or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for some unexpected texture. Plating alongside a small ramekin of extra Cajun seasoning lets your guests dial up the spice to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The leftover Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it an excellent choice for prepping lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze this pasta dish as well. Just make sure to cool it completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for about 1 to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to revive the creamy sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to return it to its original luscious texture. Microwaving works too, but stir every 30 seconds for even warming.
FAQs
What kind of sausage is best for this Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Hot smoked sausage, like andouille, is ideal because it adds smoky, spicy notes that complement the Cajun seasoning perfectly. However, you can substitute with any spicy smoked sausage you prefer if andouille is hard to find.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the campanelle pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your broth and seasonings are all gluten-free. The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta chosen.
Is this dish very spicy?
The Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe has a nice balanced heat level that highlights the Cajun spices without being overwhelming. You can always adjust the cayenne pepper and sausage type to dial the spice up or down to suit your taste.
Can I use other types of wine?
Dry white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio work best because they add acidity and complexity without overpowering the dish. If you don’t cook with wine, you can replace it with extra chicken broth, although the flavor will be a bit less vibrant.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, substitute chicken and sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain the Cajun kick.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe with you feels like gifting a tasty warm hug—rich, cozy, full of spice, and always satisfying. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress company. Give it a try soon, and watch it become one of your most requested meals. I promise, your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, spicy smoked sausage, and colorful bell peppers with campanelle pasta in a creamy, cheesy Cajun-spiced sauce. Ready in just 17 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers a satisfying Cajun kick with every bite.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 14 ounces hot smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (cored, seeded, and sliced; red and green used)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 pound campanelle pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio)
Spices and Seasonings (Cajun Seasoning Mix)
- 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt to create the Cajun seasoning. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a Dutch oven or a 12-inch braising pan, add the cubed chicken, sliced smoked sausage, sliced bell peppers, diced yellow onion, uncooked campanelle pasta, low-sodium chicken broth, dry white wine, and the prepared Cajun seasoning mix. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Cook the Pasta and Proteins: Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove the cover and continue to cook the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, meaning it has a slight bite but is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the pasta, creating a creamy sauce. Then, add the heavy cream and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh Italian parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta!
Notes
- Using a Dutch oven or large braising pan helps evenly cook the pasta and proteins in one pot.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute campanelle pasta with penne or rigatoni if unavailable.
- White wine adds depth of flavor but can be omitted and replaced with extra chicken broth if desired.
- For a lighter version, you can reduce or omit the heavy cream, though it will slightly alter the creamy texture.
