Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Cajun Chicken
Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Cajun Chicken is going to be an instant family favorite. Not only is this an easy pasta dinner that makes great leftovers, but it's ready in just under 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry penne pasta, plus 1/3 cup reserved pasta waste
- 1 lb. ground spicy Italian sausage ground
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp cajun seasoning, divided
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1/3 cup butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2/3 cup pepperoncini + 1/3 cup of juice from jar or sub banana peppers
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp mild paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2-3/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Rub the chicken with olive oil and season liberally with 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high, add olive oil and cook chicken undisturbed for ~3 minutes until it has a good sear. Flip once, turn heat to simmer and add 1/2 cup chicken stock. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 6 minute or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Then remove and tent with foil.
- Drain excess liquid. Cook sausage until cooked through. Set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan.
- Over medium low, add butter, garlic and pepperoncini, sauté over medium until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in cream, 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, pepperoncini juice. Bring cream sauce to a simmer, while cooking the penne to package instructions. Add parmesan into the , penne, and sausage into cream sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Top with sliced chicken and serve.