Description
How to make sticky honey Cajun Parmesan chicken and sausage penne with tender chicken, spicy sausage, and creamy sauce that’s pure comfort food gold.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 12 oz penne pasta
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Sticky Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Finish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining – you’ll need this for the sauce.
- Season Proteins: Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken until golden and crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Add sausage slices to the same skillet and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4 minutes. The rendered fat adds incredible flavor to the pan.
- Make Sauce: Add butter, minced garlic, and honey to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and bubbly, then slowly whisk in cream until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to pan, add drained pasta and half the Parmesan. Toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed for perfect consistency.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving immediately while hot.
Notes
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water – it’s essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-grated for the smoothest sauce.
- Let chicken rest after seasoning for 5 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Add pasta water gradually – you might not need all of it depending on your desired consistency.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 28g