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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Beef Sausage Pasta

Juicy blackened chicken bites and smoky beef sausage simmered with penne pasta, bell peppers, and garlic in a velvety, spiced parmesan cream cheese sauce. Made entirely in one single skillet in just 30 minutes for effortless weeknight comfort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 heaping bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Comfort Food
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Seasoned Meats & Aromatics
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 12 oz halal smoked beef sausage or andouille sliced into 1/4-inch coins (100% pork-free)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun or Creole spice seasoning blend low-sodium, divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil & butter for searing meats and vegetables
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and green) cored and sliced into strips
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
Pasta & One-Pot Simmering Liquids
  • 12 oz penne rigate or rigatoni pasta uncooked dry pasta
  • 3.5 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth rich savory braising liquid (zero wine)
  • 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained with their rich juices
Velvety Cheesy Finish
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened and cubed for instant melting
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream adds restaurant-caliber silkiness
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese melts into rich savory glaze
  • 3 tbsp fresh green onions or parsley chopped for vibrant garnish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Toss diced chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add seasoned chicken and sliced beef sausage. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage coins are browned and chicken is golden. Transfer to a clean plate.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the remaining pan drippings. Sauté diced onion and sliced bell peppers for 3 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in minced garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices. Scrape up all delicious browned fond from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.
  5. Stir in uncooked dry penne pasta, ensuring pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring to a rolling boil, then cover with a tight lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  6. Uncover skillet and lower heat to low. Stir in softened cubed cream cheese and heavy cream until completely melted into a velvety pink Cajun sauce.
  7. Return the seared chicken and beef sausage to the skillet along with grated parmesan cheese. Toss gently until pasta is evenly coated and cheese is melted.
  8. Remove from heat, rest for 3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9.8gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3.8gSugar: 4.2gCalcium: 195mgIron: 3.4mg

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