Description
This One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and a rich Alfredo sauce all cooked together with pasta for a deliciously easy and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses Cajun seasoning to give the dish a bold kick balanced by the creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 3 minutes until browned. Add onion, garlic, green and red bell peppers; sauté until vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in smoked paprika and additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Pasta and Finish Cooking: Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Once pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken and sausage Alfredo pasta into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta for best texture in this dish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
