Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with tender chicken, sausage, and pasta. It’s perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or a satisfying meal to impress your guests. Here’s a 500-word breakdown of how to make this delicious skillet meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage (andouille or your preferred variety), sliced
• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Be sure to slightly undercook the pasta by about a minute, as it will continue cooking in the skillet later with the sauce.

2. Season the Chicken:

   • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Toss the chicken to coat evenly with the seasoning. This will infuse the chicken with deep, spicy flavor right from the start.

3. Sauté the Chicken and Sausage:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté them until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for about 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. You don’t need to add more oil as the sausage will release its own fat.

4. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced onion (and bell pepper if using) to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Create the Sauce:

   • Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Combine Everything:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the sauce and the flavors meld together. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

7. Serve and Garnish:

   • Serve the Cajun chicken and sausage pasta skillet in bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.

Tips:

• For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
• Use any smoked sausage you like, but andouille sausage adds a great smoky, spicy flavor that complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.

This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet is an easy, one-pan dish full of flavor and hearty ingredients. It’s ideal for those who love bold, zesty dishes and are looking for a quick and satisfying meal.