Description
How to make creamy pepper Jack Cajun chicken and sausage pasta with tender meat and aromatic spices that brings comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Proteins
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce Base
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining completely.
- Season Proteins: Mix all Cajun spices in small bowl, then coat chicken pieces and sausage slices evenly. Let sit 5 minutes to absorb flavors properly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through completely.
- Brown Sausage: Add sausage to same skillet and cook 3-4 minutes until nicely browned. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the base of our sauce.
- Build Sauce: Add diced onion and garlic to skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Pour in cream and broth, bringing mixture to gentle simmer carefully.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in pepper jack cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add pasta and toss until well coated.
- Final Touch: Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Don’t let cream sauce boil or it will curdle and separate completely.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days maximum.
- Substitute kielbasa or Italian sausage if andouille isn’t available at your store.
- Add pasta water gradually to achieve perfect creamy consistency throughout.
- Grate cheese fresh for smoothest melting and best texture results.
- Serve immediately while hot for optimal creaminess and flavor.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g