Go Back
easy Cajun Chicken Pasta with Andouille
Print

Cajun Chicken Pasta with Andouille

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Keyword cajun-chicken-pasta, chicken-recipes, pasta-recipes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 988kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz box penne pasta
  • olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 1-inch cubes
  • 14 oz smoked andouille sausage sliced
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning, plus 1 tsp divided
  • 1 medium sweet onion diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 rib celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 4 oz chive and onion cream cheese softened
  • seasoned salt See Cook's note
  • chopped Italian Parsley and diced Roma tomato for garnishing

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta per the package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
  • Season chicken with 1 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning. In a large deep skillet or deep pot, cook seasoned chicken and sausage in a couple drizzles of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until chicken is browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove from pot.
  • Add onion, pepper and celery to the drippings. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Add garlic cooking for 1-2 minutes longer.
  • Add half and half, tomatoes, 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning, lemon pepper to pot. Bring to a gentle simmer then mix in the Parmesan and cream cheese. Cook stirring until slightly thickened for about 2 minutes. Add more half and half to thin to your taste. Taste and add salt, if needed.
  • Add pasta, chicken and sausage back to the pot add 1 Tbsp parsley. Simmer just until heated through and combined. Mix well.
  • Serve immediately topped with parsley, diced tomato and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • The chicken may be tossed with seasonings and chilled in a storage bag overnight for a time saver.
  • Prepared Cajun and Creole seasonings vary in sodium content. Depending on the brand of seasoning used, the amount of salt may need to be adjusted using more or less to your taste. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 988kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 62g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 229mg | Sodium: 1408mg | Potassium: 1082mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1518IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 349mg | Iron: 2mg