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One Pot Cajun Pasta with Chicken & Sausage

This is comfort food that hits hard - spicy, creamy, and everything cooks in one pot so cleanup is minimal. The key is building layers of flavor by browning the proteins first, then using those fond bits to make the sauce.
prep time15 minutes
cook time35 minutes
total time50 minutes
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Ingredients

Cajun Seasoning Mix

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb smoked garlic sausage, sliced
  • 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 green pepper, diced medium
  • 1 yellow or red pepper, diced medium
  • 1 sweet or yellow onion, diced small
  • 2 Tbsp neutral oil
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 1/2 cups penne pasta, 18 oz
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp cold unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Whisk together 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, 2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 Tbsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Divide seasoning mix in half.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add 3/4 lb sliced sausage and fry until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
  • Remove sausage to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add 1/2 Tbsp oil to the pan and add 3/4 lb cubed chicken breast.
  • Season chicken with half the seasoning mix and fry until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove chicken to the plate with sausage.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 1/2 Tbsp oil.
  • Add diced green pepper, red or yellow pepper, and onion with a pinch of salt.
  • Scrape up brown bits from the pan bottom and cook vegetables until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Sprinkle remaining seasoning mix and 3 Tbsp flour over vegetables.
  • Mix and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add 3 cups chicken broth, 3 cups whole milk, and 4 1/2 cups penne to the pan and stir well.
  • Cover and simmer for about 22 minutes, stirring every few minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream.
  • Add 3 Tbsp cold butter and stir until melted and emulsified.
  • Stir in 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice and add back the cooked chicken and sausage.
  • Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

If pasta looks too dry while cooking, add a splash more broth. If finished dish seems heavy, add more broth to reach desired consistency.