Description
This creamy Italian sausage pasta with Cajun-seasoned chicken is a flavorful, easy pasta dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes! The combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender Cajun chicken, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce makes this dish an instant family favorite. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, high-protein meals, and delicious homemade recipes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta & Protein:
- 1 lb dry penne pasta (plus 1/3 cup reserved pasta water)
- 1 lb ground spicy Italian sausage
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1/3 cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup pepperoncini (or banana peppers) + 1/3 cup juice from the jar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
Cajun Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp mild paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 – 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Rub chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil and season both sides with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sear chicken for 3 minutes without moving, then flip. Reduce heat to low, add 1/2 cup chicken stock, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat, tent with foil, and let rest.
-
Cook the Sausage:
- In the same skillet, drain excess liquid, leaving 1 tbsp oil.
- Cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and pepperoncini, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Whisk in heavy cream, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and pepperoncini juice. Bring to a simmer.
-
Cook the Pasta & Combine:
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/3 cup pasta water.
- Stir parmesan cheese, cooked penne, and sausage into the cream sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Slice the Cajun chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning.
- Substitute mild Italian sausage if you prefer less spice.
- Use banana peppers instead of pepperoncini for a milder tangy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 180mg