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Creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta in a large skillet with penne, sliced chicken, sausage pieces, and mushrooms in rich Parmesan cream sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta

Easy, spicy, and creamy pasta dinner with chicken, penne, sausage and smoky Cajun flavors. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons butter unsalted, divided
  • 1 lb chicken breasts whole, boneless, skinless
  • 6 oz smoked sausage sliced into ¼ inch pieces, Andouille preferred
  • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms sliced
  • Cajun seasoning to taste
  • Italian seasoning to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste, optional
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth sodium free
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • sea salt to taste
  • 8 oz penne pasta

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the whole chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side (8-10 minutes total) until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and slice into strips.
  4. Add the sliced sausage to the same skillet over medium heat. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges darken. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Deglaze the pan with 2-3 tablespoons of water, scraping up the flavorful brown bits. Add the second tablespoon of butter and the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until dark and tender. Remove from the pan.
  6. Add the final tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken, sausage, and mushrooms to the pan. Cover with a lid and let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Cajun seasoning varies greatly in sodium content, so taste the sauce several times while cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly over low heat with a splash of cream to prevent separation.