How to Make the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta With Cajun Chicken in 7 Steps!
Savor the rich and spicy flavors of this Creamy Italian Sausage & Cajun Chicken Pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare and full of flavor!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
- 6 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning see recipe below
For the Pasta
- 1.5 lbs penne pasta
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 1.5 lbs spicy Italian sausage removed from casings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced, plus 1/2 cup juice from the jar
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons paprika mild or smoked
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1.25 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 0.75 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to preference
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Cajun seasoning or use 4 tablespoons of a store-bought blend.
- Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 3 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, cooking 3 minutes per side.
- Lower the heat, add 3/4 cup of water, cover, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken, tent with foil. In the same skillet, cook sausage until browned, then set aside.
- In the skillet, add butter, garlic, pepperoncini, sauté for 1 minute. Add cream and remaining seasoning, simmer.
- Cook pasta, reserve 1/2 cup water. Combine pasta, sausage, cheese with sauce, adding water for consistency. Slice and top with chicken, garnish with cheese.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper.