Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta

 

Ingredients:

12 oz (340g) rotini pasta or pasta of your choice

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

8 oz (225g) smoked beef sausage, sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

Cajun Sauce:

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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken and Sausage:

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, sprinkle with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the sausage slices and cook until slightly browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

Make the Cajun Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the Cheese:

Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.