Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta: 5 Bold Steps

Melany Rose

Come join me in my culinary adventures where we'll be using simple, fresh ingredients and transforming them into sophisticated and elegant meals for the everyday home cook.

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta: 5 Bold Steps for a Flavor Explosion

Amy

February 19, 2025

Medium

Cuisine: American

Are you looking for a dish that combines savory flavors, creamy texture, and a spicy kick? Look no further than Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta! This rich, flavorful recipe is the perfect blend of tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish will undoubtedly become a crowd favorite.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making the ultimate Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta, packed with layers of flavor and just the right amount of spice. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress, yet it’s easy to make. Let’s dive right in!

What is Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy pasta dish that features the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning, combined with tender pieces of chicken and flavorful sausage. The dish is made with a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the spicy kick of the Cajun spices. The combination of the sausage’s smoky flavor and the creamy, cheesy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or making something special for a dinner party. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors. Plus, the cheesy sauce makes the dish feel indulgent and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of Cajun spices, chicken, and sausage makes this dish explode with flavor in every bite.
Creamy and Cheesy: The creamy cheese sauce is the perfect pairing for the bold seasonings and proteins, making every bite irresistible.
Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavors, this dish is simple to make, requiring only a few key ingredients and minimal prep time.
Versatile: This recipe can be served for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients for Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

To make this mouthwatering Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cajun Chicken and Sausage:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces.
2 links smoked sausage, sliced (Andouille sausage works well)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (more if you like it spicy)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Water (for boiling pasta)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (to match the flavors)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (for extra spice)

Step-by-Step Directions for Making Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Prepare the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Season the Chicken and Sausage

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to season and cook the chicken and sausage. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to ensure all the pieces are well-coated.

Then, warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides.

Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to get a nice sear. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside with the chicken.

3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the cream to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.

Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings to your liking, depending on how spicy you prefer the dish.

4. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sausage

Once the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned, add the cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet, stirring to coat them with the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to combine. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Allow the dish to simmer for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more Cajun seasoning or salt as needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

After everything is well mixed and warmed through, it’s ready to serve! Transfer the cheesy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice and color.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but you can elevate your meal with these sides:

Garlic Bread: Serve alongside buttery, crispy garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pasta with roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus to add color and nutrition to the plate.
Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?

Yes! While Andouille sausage works great in this recipe, you can also use other types of smoked sausage, such as kielbasa, chorizo, or Italian sausage, depending on your preference.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, sausage, and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and cook the pasta fresh.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta variety you prefer for this recipe. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are all great choices but feel free to experiment with different shapes.

How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some chopped fresh chilies, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that your sausage and other ingredients are free from gluten.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy, spicy, and savory dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sausage, it’s an indulgent treat that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite in your meal rotation!

For more fantastic recipes, be sure to check out:

Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Penne Recipe
Old Fashioned Goulash