I tried a version of Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta that mixed succulent chicken breasts with smoked sausage and earthy baby Bella mushrooms in a simmering sauce made with garlic, heavy cream and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. This one pot meal hit the spot for a 30 minute weekday dinner.

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I recently whipped up a meal that totally surprised me – my Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta. It all comes together in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients like 2 tbsp butter, 1 lb chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces, and 1 lb smoked sausage sliced into rounds.

I also tossed in 8 oz of baby Bella mushrooms and 3 garlic cloves minced up real fine. The dish gets its kick from 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and a smidge of 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.

I mixed in a cup of chicken broth, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and a cup of heavy cream to give it a satisfying creaminess, plus a dash of 1/2 tsp paprika for extra flavor. I love how this recipe balances spice and creaminess without being too heavy.

If you’ve been looking for an easy, flavorful dinner idea, this one pot wonder is definitely worth trying out.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I really dig how it comes together in just one pot so that cleaning up afterwards is a total breeze. Second, the mix of bold Cajun spices with the creamy sauce makes every bite exciting and comforting at the same time. Third, it’s super quick to make, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when I don’t have a lot of time to spare. And lastly, the combo of juicy chicken, savory sausage, and tender mushrooms just hits all the right notes in flavor and texture.

Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a cool weeknight dinner that you can throw together in about 30 minutes. You start by melting some butter and cooking the chicken with Cajun, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper till its nicely browned. Then you add sliced smoked sausage — it firms up a bit as it cooks — along with some baby Bella mushrooms and minced garlic until they soften. After that, you pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and let everything simmer slowly. Finally, you stir in heavy cream and paprika before tossing in all the penne pasta. Once it all boils and then simmers for 12 to 15 minutes, the pasta comes out perfectly al dente with most of the liquid absorbed. Its just a welcoming, hearty dish that feels both indulgent and homey even if my cooking isn’t perfect every time.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts: They’re lean protein essential for muscle growth, and versatile for hearty meals.
Smoked sausage: It’s rich in flavor and protein, adding satisfying smoky kick to your dish.
Baby Bella mushrooms: They are earthy and nutritious, providing vitamins, minerals and delightful umami taste.
Garlic: It’s aromatic and bold, boosting flavor and having natural immune support properties.
Heavy cream: It adds rich creaminess with smooth texture, balancing spicy Cajun flavors perfectly.
Penne pasta: It’s carb-packed and filling, absorbs sauce well, making every bite satisfyingly hearty.

Ingredient Quantities

2 tbsp butter

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chicken broth

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp paprika

12 oz penne pasta

How to Make this

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1. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook the chicken until it starts to get browned.

2. Toss in the sliced smoked sausage and let cook for another couple minutes until it starts to firm up.

3. Add the baby Bella mushrooms into the pot and stir, letting them soften a bit, then stir in the minced garlic.

4. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and add 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Let everything come to a simmer.

5. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 tsp paprika to the pot. Mix everything well so the flavors combine.

6. Add in the 12 oz penne pasta ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.

7. Increase the heat until the mixture starts to boil, then reduce to a simmer.

8. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

9. Give it a taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

10. Serve it hot straight from the pot and enjoy your delicious Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot that can be heated on a stove
2. A stove
3. Measuring spoons for butter, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce
4. A measuring cup for the chicken broth and heavy cream
5. A knife for cutting the chicken, sausage, and slicing the mushrooms
6. A cutting board for prepping the chicken, sausage, and garlic
7. A stirring spoon to mix everything in the pot

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure, you can use any pasta you have on hand even though the recipe lists penne. Just be careful to adjust the cooking time if needed.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked enough?

The chicken should be white and no longer pink inside, about 165°F if you use a thermometer. Cutting a piece open also works if you don't have one.

Is there a way to make it spicier?

Yeah, you can add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can try half and half if you dont have heavy cream, but the sauce might be a little thinner.

If I dont have Worcestershire sauce what do I do?

You can either leave it out or add a dash of soy sauce. It wont be exactly the same but it'll still taste good.

Cajun Chicken And Sausage Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the 2 tbsp butter, you can use an equal amount of olive oil or even coconut oil to give it a different flavor.
If you dont have chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier.
You can replace the smoked sausage with turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter taste.
If heavy cream is hard to find, try using a mix of half and half with a little extra butter to thicken it up.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the chicken extra well before adding the other ingredients – it really juices up the flavor and gives a nice texture, dont overcook though or it can get dry.
2. If you want to amp up the dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you toss in the garlic for a little extra kick, it gives the pasta a cool spicy vibe.
3. Make sure you stir the pasta a couple times while it cooks so it dont stick to the bottom, otherwise you might end up with a burnt taste.
4. For an extra creamy sauce, let the heavy cream and paprika simmer a bit longer with the rest of the sauce so all the spices meld together real well.