Spicy Jambalaya Pasta Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken and sausage with sautéed peppers in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce over pasta.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 7 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
→ Pasta
03 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 small red onion, sliced
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 celery stalk, sliced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
11 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
14 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
19 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning.
03 - Add seasoned chicken to hot skillet. Sauté 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add sausage slices to same skillet. Brown 2–3 minutes, then remove and combine with reserved chicken.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté bell peppers, onion, celery, and garlic 4–5 minutes until softened.
06 - Stir in diced tomatoes, remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook 2 minutes to meld flavors.
07 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let sauce thicken 4–5 minutes.
08 - Return chicken and sausage to skillet. Simmer 2 minutes to heat through.
09 - Add cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cream sauce tames the heat just enough so you get all those Cajun flavors without overwhelming your palate
- Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
02 -
- The sauce will thicken as it stands off the heat, so do not reduce it too much while cooking
- Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt at the end
03 -
- Drain the diced tomatoes well, otherwise your sauce will be too thin
- Reserve some pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later