One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac

If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and full of Cajun flavor, this One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac is about to be your new go-to. One pot, tons of flavor, and a kick of heat that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Tender chicken, juicy sausage, and that bold Cajun spice combine with creamy mac and cheese for the perfect comfort food. The sauce is rich, the pasta soaks up all the flavor, and every bite has a little spicy kick.

It’s creamy, zesty, and packed with smoky Cajun flavor. The chicken and sausage make it hearty, while the cheesy sauce ties it all together. Trust me, this dish will be on repeat in your kitchen.

Let me show you how easy it is to make this one-pot wonder. Creamy, spicy, and super satisfying—all in just one pan. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes—just rich, creamy flavor in a single skillet.
• Balanced Spice: The Cajun heat blends perfectly with the creamy sauce and cheesy finish.
• Filling and Satisfying: It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family with leftovers for lunch.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level, swap the pasta, or sneak in extra veggies—this one’s flexible.
• Weeknight Friendly: 30 minutes of prep and cook time means dinner is on the table fast.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: Serves 6 people generously.
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly with room to experiment for experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with lid)
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Ingredients

These ingredients work together to create a rich, savory pasta with layers of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics & Vegetables:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Garnish:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Variations for Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac

This recipe is versatile and adapts well to different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Less Spicy Version: Use half the Cajun seasoning or swap for a mild version if cooking for kids.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes for a veggie boost.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey sausage, or use just sausage for a quicker version.
• Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack instead of cheddar for extra melt and kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning is GF-certified.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken and Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sliced sausage. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Add Seasoning and Liquids

Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to coat the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.

4. Add Pasta and Simmer

Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

5. Finish with Cheese and Meat

Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pan. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.

6. Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve warm.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac

This creamy pasta is a full meal on its own, but here are some ways to round it out or change the vibe:

• With Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette for dipping into the sauce.
• With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
• Family-Style: Bring the skillet straight to the table for a warm, comforting dinner that’s easy to share.
• Meal Prep Bowls: Portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches or reheatable dinners.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: This pasta is best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, or warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Cajun seasoning and sausage can be salty—start with low-sodium broth and salt to taste.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Creamy Finish: Add the cheese at the end off the heat for a smoother, silkier sauce.
• Slice Sausage Evenly: Thin, even sausage slices cook faster and blend well with the pasta texture.
• Let It Rest: Give the dish 3–5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and flavors settle.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~540 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	900mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Calcium	200mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. This dish is great for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.

2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Adjust the heat to your preference.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Skip the searing step and add it back in at the end with the sausage to warm through.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes. Use whole milk instead of cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and opt for turkey sausage or grilled chicken breast.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can, but creamy pasta dishes change texture slightly when frozen. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly with added cream or broth.

6. Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or even bowties work well. Just keep an eye on cook time—some shapes may cook faster or slower.

7. How spicy is this dish?
It has a medium kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the Cajun seasoning and taste as you go. You can also add a dash of hot sauce if you want more fire.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac is the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds. It’s creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying—but still easy enough for a casual weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the fridge with leftovers, it’s a reliable go-to that brings warmth to the table.