One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta

Craving something with a little kick? One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is here to bring the heat and flavor all in one pot!

This dish combines smoky Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken, savory sausage, and pasta for a hearty, spicy meal that’s both easy and delicious.

Picture tender chicken and sausage in a bold, smoky sauce, with the perfect amount of Cajun spice to give your taste buds a real treat.

Let’s get cooking and whip up this fiery, one-pot wonder that’ll spice up your dinner routine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, Bold Flavor: The Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring deep, rich taste to every bite.
• Comforting and Creamy: The mix of cream and broth makes a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
• One Pot Magic: No need for multiple dishes—everything cooks in one pan, even the pasta.
• Hearty and Filling: With both chicken and sausage, it’s a full, satisfying meal.
• Great for Leftovers: Reheats well the next day for easy lunch or dinner.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

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

Servings:
Serves 4–6 hungry folks. It’s rich and filling, so a little goes a long way.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly. Just basic slicing and stirring—nothing tricky.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large, deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs (optional, but helpful for turning meat)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this smoky, creamy pasta together (exact measurements in the recipe card later):

Main Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs, sliced
• Smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• Penne or rotini pasta (dry)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• Onion, diced
• Bell pepper, diced (any color works, but red or green is great)
• Garlic, minced

Liquid & Dairy

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Seasonings & Spices

• Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Essentials & Garnish

• Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations for One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta

• Use Chicken Breast: Swap thighs for chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook it.
• Go Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Make It Veggie-Friendly: Omit the meat and add mushrooms or zucchini. You’ll still get that smoky, creamy base.
• Change the Pasta: Shells, bowties, or rigatoni all work fine if you don’t have penne or rotini.
• Swap the Cream: Use half-and-half or a dairy-free option like oat cream if you need to lighten it up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Meats

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Add the sliced chicken to the same pan. Season with half the Cajun seasoning and a little salt. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside with the sausage.

2. Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in smoked paprika and the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir well to coat the vegetables and toast the spices slightly.

3. Add the Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

Add the uncooked pasta and stir again. Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the pan.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a splash more broth to loosen the sauce.

4. Finish and Serve

Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or Cajun spice as needed.

Let rest off the heat for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.

How to Serve One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta

This pasta doesn’t need much to shine—it’s a full meal on its own. But here are a few simple ideas to round it out:

• With Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple baguette to scoop up the sauce.
• With Greens: Add a light side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• For a Crowd: Double the batch and serve straight from the pan—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy base, which may separate after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Brown the sausage well: That golden crust adds deep flavor to the whole dish.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on it—every stove is different.
• Use good Cajun seasoning: A quality blend makes all the difference. Taste before adding more salt.
• Stir as it simmers: This prevents sticking and keeps the sauce smooth.
• Let it sit: A few minutes off the heat lets the sauce thicken just right.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)	~520	28g	38g	28g	3g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, just keep an eye on cook time since breasts can dry out more easily.

What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked andouille or kielbasa are both great options for a bold, smoky flavor.

Is it very spicy?
It has a little heat, but not overwhelming. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice level.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If reheating, add a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This One Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. It’s warm, rich, and full of flavor—comfort food with a little Southern swagger. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this one hits the mark.