Cajun Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
674 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Description
The dish begins by cooking penne pasta to al dente, then setting it aside. Chicken breast pieces are sautéed in olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoned generously with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Smoked sausage slices are added and browned briefly. Garlic and chopped parsley are stirred in for aroma.
Half and half is poured in and brought to a boil, followed by stirring in shredded Parmesan cheese to melt and thicken the sauce. The cooked penne is combined with the sauce and proteins, coating the pasta evenly in the creamy, mildly spiced mixture infused with smoky sausage flavors.
This pasta works well as a standalone meal, garnished with extra cheese or parsley as preferred. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for several days; reheat with some added broth or water to restore sauce consistency as the pasta may absorb moisture over time. The sauce can also be prepared ahead and combined with freshly cooked pasta prior to serving.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta 2 cups, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 links smoked sausage cut into slices, about 8 ounces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente (cooked until it's still firm when bitten). Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet, then sprinkle with the cajun seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, should take about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the sausage and cook for a couple more minutes until the sausage starts to brown.
- Add the garlic, parsley to the skillet and stir. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the half and half and cook until it comes to a boil. Stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Add the penne and stir everything together.
- Garnish with more parmesan cheese and parsley if preferred and serve while warm.
Notes
- Half and half contains about 12% fat; heavy cream (36-40% fat) can be used as a substitute for a richer sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, refrigerating within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheating may cause pasta to absorb sauce and dry; add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to restore moisture.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate, then cook pasta fresh and combine before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 674 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 674kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 132mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 764mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 841mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2698IU | 54% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 461mg | 46% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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