Name: One‑Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 orange bell pepper, sliced; 8 ounces penne pasta; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love One‑Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta Recipe

It’s a one‑pot meal: less fuss, fewer dishes.
You get creamy, rich sauce without dairy (unless you prefer heavy cream).
The Cajun spices and sausage bring smoky, spicy depth.
It’s versatile — you can adjust the heat, use different proteins, or add vegetables.
Great for weeknights, but tasty enough to serve guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cajun Seasoning

smoked paprika
oregano
dried thyme
garlic powder
onion powder
cayenne pepper
black pepper
salt
(or substitute 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning)

Chicken Pasta

boneless, skinless chicken breast
smoked (or pre‑cooked) sausage, sliced
olive oil
yellow onion, diced
penne pasta (gluten‑free if desired)
fire roasted tomatoes (canned, with juice)
chicken broth
coconut cream (or heavy cream, if not dairy‑free)
chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the spices for the Cajun seasoning.
Dice the chicken into small pieces (½‑inch cubes) and toss with the seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 1–2 minutes per side (you’re just browning the outside — it won’t be cooked through yet).
Add the diced onion and sliced sausage to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens (about 2–3 minutes).
Pour in the penne pasta, fire roasted tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should become tender and the sauce should thicken.
Stir in the coconut cream (or heavy cream) until fully incorporated. Simmer another minute if needed to reach desired consistency.
Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 8 medium bowls
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based sausage, mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are great additions.
Adjust the heat: Reduce cayenne or use milder sausage if you prefer less spice.
Use regular cream: If you’re not dairy-free, swap coconut cream for heavy whipping cream.
Omit sausage: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can leave out the sausage — just reduce the cooking time slightly for the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You may also freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or coconut milk as needed, since the sauce can thicken when chilled.

FAQs

What sausage works best for Cajun pasta?

Andouille sausage is traditional and gives a smoky, bold flavor. But you can also use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage for a milder result.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep and cook the sauce and meat ahead, then reheat and cook fresh pasta just before serving for best texture.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be — use a gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning and sausage contain no hidden gluten.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the meats for plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I reduce the spice?

Absolutely. Tone down or omit the cayenne in the Cajun seasoning, and use a mild sausage instead of spicy ones.

Will the pasta get mushy if left too long?

Yes — especially with gluten-free pasta. To avoid mushiness, aim for slightly under al dente before finishing, and reheat gently with extra liquid.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Penne works well to hold sauce, but you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or another shape that traps sauce.

Is coconut cream necessary?

If you’re making a dairy-free version, yes, coconut cream gives the richness. If you don’t need it dairy-free, heavy cream works as a substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can scale it up, but make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate extra pasta, broth, and ingredients without overflowing.

What sides go well with this dish?

Roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus), a simple green salad or cucumber‑tomato salad pair nicely, adding freshness and balance to the richness.

Conclusion

This one‑pot Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying meal you can whip up with minimal cleanup. Whether you keep it dairy‑free or use cream, spice it up or tone it down, or add extra veggies — it’s a flexible crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for busy weeknights or feeding family and friends. Enjoy!