Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet
| 12 oz | penne pasta |
| 1 lb | chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| 8 oz | andouille or smoked sausage, sliced |
| 1 tbsp | olive oil |
| 2 tbsp | butter |
| 4 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 1 small | onion, diced |
| 1 | red bell pepper, diced |
| 1 cup | heavy cream |
| 1 cup | chicken broth |
| 1 cup | parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 tbsp | Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste) |
| ½ tsp | paprika |
| ½ tsp | black pepper |
| ¼ tsp | red pepper flakes (optional) |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) |
| Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. |
| In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set aside. |
| In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chicken pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the sausage. |
| Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. |
| Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. |
| Lower the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. |
| Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. |
| Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy! |
| Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes |