If you’re craving bold, comforting flavors with a touch of heat, this Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta is the perfect choice. It’s a one-pan wonder bursting with juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and pasta drenched in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. The combination of spices gives the dish its signature kick, while the cream balances everything with a smooth, velvety finish.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe brings together hearty ingredients and mouthwatering textures in a single skillet. The contrast of tender chicken, crisp-edged sausage, and rotini pasta soaked in sauce is pure comfort food bliss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to fall in love with.

Ingredients for this Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
8 oz Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 cups rotini or your favorite pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it develops a deep, browned edge—about 3–4 minutes. This adds tons of smoky flavor to the dish. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together for about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your rotini pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, along with the cooked chicken and sausage. Toss everything to coat evenly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and an optional pinch of extra Cajun seasoning for more heat. Serve hot, and watch it disappear fast!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta are just as delicious the next day. To store:

Refrigerator: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note: the cream sauce may slightly separate upon thawing but will come back together when reheated gently.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Calories: 610 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 880mg

Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage is ideal for its bold, smoky flavor, but any smoked sausage or even kielbasa can be used.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or opt for a mild variety. You can also skip the paprika if you’re very sensitive to spice.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based cream. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work great. Just make sure it holds sauce well.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sausage and seasonings to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Reheat slowly in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook everything ahead and refrigerate. It reheats well and the flavors even deepen over time.

Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This dish is your next weeknight favorite—quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Skillet Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a one-pan masterpiece combining juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and tender pasta swirled in a spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s got the perfect balance of heat, richness, and bold flavor.

Whether you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, a comforting meal to feed the family, or a dish to impress guests without too much effort, this recipe has you covered. With a simple ingredient list and fast prep time, it checks all the boxes for a go-to easy recipe. Add it to your rotation of dinner ideas, quick meals, or creamy pasta food ideas—this one’s a keeper!

Instructions

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Add remaining oil to the same skillet and cook the sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add onion to the skillet and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth. Let it simmer, then stir in the cream and let it cook for 3–4 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Add cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan and mix well. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner