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One pot cajun pasta in a blue bowl with a silver fork.
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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.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Creole
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 868kcal

Ingredients

For the Cajun seasoning (see note 1):

For the pasta:

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring often, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Video

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Penne: Penne has some bite and doesn’t turn sludgy, which is the biggest complaint of failed one-pot pasta recipes. 
  4. 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

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 868kcal | Carbohydrates: 93g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1195mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1883IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 3mg