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4.9 from 33 votes

Cajun Pasta

Invest 5 minutes of prep time, and this one-pot Cajun Pasta cooks itself. Studded with chicken and Andouille sausage and infused with a creamy tomato sauce, this is one of my favorite recipes (and easiest dinner recipes!) for weeknights.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 868 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American , Creole

Ingredients

For the Cajun seasoning (see note 1):
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the pasta:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion peeled and finely chopped (see note 2)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
  • 2 celery ribs finely chopped
  • 2 links andouille sausages or Kielbasa, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 16 ounces penne pasta or any small pasta (see note 3)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (see note 4)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
  • fresh parsley minced, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the seasoning, in a small bowl, whisk together garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add onion, peppers, and celery and cook until softened. Add Andouille sausage and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring often, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  4. Stir in pasta, diced tomatoes and juice, and chicken broth. Simmer uncovered until pasta is al dente and almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Cajun seasoning: Hot, peppery Cajun seasoning is essential for Cajun-style blackened fish or chicken. It’s a spice blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you make your own, you can tailor the spice to exactly the level you want it. Homemade Cajun seasoning is easy—you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry.
  • Onion, bell pepper, and celery: You might hear this aromatic trio referred to as the "holy trinity" in Cajun and Louisiana Creole cuisine. Cook this own in a couple tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) to get the party started for this creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
  • Penne: Penne has some bite and doesn’t turn sludgy, which is the biggest complaint of failed one-pot pasta recipes. 
  • Heavy cream: Just 1/2 cup takes this from a Cajun sauce to a creamy Cajun sauce. Half-and-half also works if that's what you have handy.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2cups Calories 868kcal (43%) Carbohydrates 93g (31%) Protein 48g (96%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 143mg (48%) Sodium 1195mg (50%) Potassium 1044mg (30%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1883IU (38%) Vitamin C 59mg (66%) Calcium 285mg (29%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 868

% Daily Value*

Serving 2cups
Calories 868kcal 43%
Carbohydrates 93g 31%
Protein 48g 96%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 143mg 48%
Sodium 1195mg 50%
Potassium 1044mg 22%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 1883IU 38%
Vitamin C 59mg 66%
Calcium 285mg 29%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.