Cajun Chicken Pasta

An easy and delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe that can be made in just one skillet! Loaded with chicken and creamy Cajun goodness, this is a favorite comfort food in my household.

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Something spicy today!

Savory, creamy, and loaded with chicken, sausage, and peppers. You guys already know that we don’t exactly do health food around here, right? 😉

Even when I’m not sharing desserts, the food is always comfort food, and that’s usually best served with extra cheese (have you tried my chicken alfredo yet!?) and usually comes with a few calories. Let’s not think about that too much, alright?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Some dinners feel special without extra work, and this one proves it. Cajun Chicken Pasta brings bold flavor with simple steps and familiar ingredients.

Big flavor payoff: Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth.

Creamy finish: Half and half keeps the sauce smooth and rich.

Quick dinner win: Everything comes together fast.

One pan feel: Less cleanup at the end.

Crowd-friendly: Easy to scale for family meals.

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Ingredients

For Cajun Chicken Pasta:

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless cut into small pieces
• 2 links smoked sausage sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
• ¼ cup parsley chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until tender. Drain well and set aside. Keep the pasta dry so the sauce sticks better later.

2. Season the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece gets coated evenly. This step builds flavor early.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Brown the Sausage

Add sausage slices to the same skillet. Cook until edges turn lightly crisp. The smoky flavor deepens the base of the sauce.

5. Build the Sauce

Lower heat slightly and add garlic. Stir until fragrant. Pour in half and half and stir slowly. Let it warm without boiling.

6. Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle parmesan into the sauce while stirring. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and turns smooth.

7. Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything coats in sauce. Finish with parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use less cajun seasoning.
• Add more sausage slices.
• Stir in bell peppers or spinach.
• Use asiago for sharper flavor.
• Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions

Cajun Chicken Pasta works well on its own since it fills you up fast. Serve it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Warm bread on the side helps scoop up the extra sauce.

When friends come over, I place the skillet right on the table and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It feels casual and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, store it in the fridge up to three days.

How do I reheat it?

Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk.

Does it freeze well?

The sauce texture changes slightly after freezing.

Can I skip sausage?

Yes, add extra chicken instead.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta holds the sauce best.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken Pasta brings creamy comfort with bold seasoning in every bite. Tender chicken, smoky sausage, and rich sauce come together in a way that feels hearty without feeling heavy.