Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta

One-Pot Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Description:
“That first twirl of smoky Cajun pasta? Soul-warming. Let’s bust the myth that one-pot meals lack depth – my holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery simmered with Andouille sausage and tender chicken guarantees bold flavor with minimal cleanup!”

Why you’ll love this:
✓ One-pot wonder – No colander needed!
✓ Crowd-pleaser – Kid-friendly spice level (adjustable)
✓ Freezer-friendly – Doubles easily for leftovers

Secret weapon: Deglaze the pot with chicken broth – it lifts all the flavorful bits!

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Expert Tips)

1. Prep Ingredients (5 mins)

• Chicken: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels (helps browning).
• Sausage: Slice 12 oz Andouille sausage into ½-inch coins. Tip: Angle the knife for more surface area = better caramelization.
• Holy Trinity: Dice 1 onion, 1 bell pepper (any color), and 2 celery stalks into uniform pieces (for even cooking).
• Garlic: Mince 3 cloves. Keep separate – burns easily!

2. Sear Proteins (7 mins)

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a deep skillet/Dutch oven over medium-high.
• Sausage first: Cook 2-3 mins per side until browned. Remove with slotted spoon.
• Then chicken: Cook in the same oil 3-4 mins until golden (it’ll finish cooking later). Don’t crowd the pan – work in batches if needed.
• Deglaze: Add ¼ cup chicken broth, scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon (flavor gold!).

3. Sauté Veggies (5 mins)

• In the same pot, add:
  • Diced onion, bell pepper, celery
  • ½ tsp salt (draws out moisture)
• Cook 4 mins until softened.
• Add garlic + Cajun spice: Stir in minced garlic and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning. Cook 30 sec until fragrant (no longer! or garlic turns bitter).

4. Cook Pasta (15 mins)

• Liquid ratio matters: Add 3 cups chicken broth + 12 oz penne. Ensure pasta is fully submerged (add ½ cup water if needed).
• Simmer uncovered 12 mins, stirring occasionally. Watch for:
  • Bubbles around edges = perfect simmer
  • Pasta al dente at 12 mins (check a piece)
• Creamy finish: Stir in ½ cup coconut milk and reserved meats. Heat 2 mins.

5. Final Touches (3 mins)

• Adjust consistency: If too thick, add broth 2 tbsp at a time.
• Taste & tweak:
  • Need salt? Add ¼ tsp at a time.
  • More heat? Dash of hot sauce.
• Garnish: Chopped parsley or green onions.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

🌶 Spice Control

♻️ Pro Tips

• Instant Pot option: Cook on high pressure for 5 mins.
• Vegetarian twist: Use smoked tofu + mushrooms.

Tags: One-Pot Meals, Comfort Food, Dairy-Free