Quick and Delicious Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta

 

Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta – Quick Visual Recipe

⏱ Prep: 10 min | ⏱ Cook: 25 min | 🍽 Servings: 4

👉Ingredients:

◾️ 12 oz rotini pasta – base for creamy sauce

◾️ 2 chicken breasts, diced – tender protein

◾️ 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced – smoky flavor & texture

◾️ 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing

◾️ 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning – bold spice

◾️ 3 tbsp butter – richness in sauce

◾️ 3 garlic cloves, minced – aroma & depth

◾️ 1 cup heavy cream – creamy base

◾️ 1 cup cheddar cheese – sharp, melty flavor

◾️ 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – nutty umami

◾️ 1/4 cup chicken broth – adds moisture & savory notes

◾️ 1/2 tsp paprika – subtle smokiness

◾️ 1/4 tsp black pepper – mild heat

🔹️ Fresh parsley – fresh garnish

👉Quick Steps:

▶️ Cook Pasta:

✅ Boil salted water, cook pasta al dente, drain & set aside

▶️ Cook Chicken:

✅ Heat 1 tbsp olive oil, season chicken with 1 tbsp Cajun, cook golden & set aside

▶️ Cook Sausage:

✅ In same skillet, brown sausage slices, set aside with chicken

▶️ Make Sauce:

✅ Melt butter, sauté garlic 1 min, add cream + broth + spices, simmer gently

▶️ Add Cheese:

✅ Stir in cheddar & Parmesan until smooth, taste & adjust seasoning

▶️ Combine:

✅ Add pasta, chicken & sausage, toss until coated in sauce

▶️ Serve:

✅ Garnish with parsley, serve hot

👉5 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Cajun Pasta

1. 🔹 Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta absorbs sauce better.

2. 🔹 Sear chicken in batches: Prevents steaming, gives a golden crust.

3. 🔹 Use fresh garlic: Mellow, aromatic flavor beats garlic powder.

4. 🔹 Adjust creaminess: Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

5. 🔹 Mix cheeses gradually: Prevents clumping, ensures a silky sauce.