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Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta with Cajun Chicken is a comforting dinner that brings together bold cajun spices, juicy chicken, and tangy pepperoncini in a lush, creamy sauce. It is a favorite for busy weeknights and tastes even better the next day.
When I first made this on a Friday after work, the spicy sausage and that last-minute addition of pickled peppers had everyone in my house asking for seconds
Ingredients
- Short pasta like penne or fusili: holds the sauce and texture perfectly Choose any shape you have
- Chicken breasts: thinly sliced so they become tender and soak up flavors
- Cajun seasoning: for a bold punch Make your own or grab a quality brand that lists paprika as the first ingredient
- Fresh garlic: finely minced always adds depth and aroma Avoid pre-chopped if possible
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers: jarred plus their zippy juice look for crisp peppers and a clear brine
- Heavy cream: forms the silky sauce Use half and half to lighten it or evaporated milk for richness
- Butter: for building the sauce’s backbone Choose European style if possible
- Parmesan cheese: freshly grated is a game changer Avoid pre-shredded for the smoothest melt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Rub chicken on all sides with olive oil and a generous coat of cajun seasoning Press seasoning into the meat for deeper flavor and let it rest briefly
- Sear and Simmer Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high Add chicken in a single layer and allow to sear undisturbed for about three minutes Flip just once Reduce heat to low add chicken stock and cover Simmer gently for six minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees Transfer from pan and tent loosely with foil
- Brown the Sausage:
- Pour off excess cooking liquid Add sausage to the same pan letting it brown and cook through Leave behind about one tablespoon of oil to flavor the next steps
- Start the Creamy Base:
- Add butter minced garlic and diced pepperoncini to the skillet over medium low Stir gently for about one minute until garlic is softened and aromatic This is where the flavors meld
- Build the Sauce:
- Whisk in heavy cream more cajun seasoning and a splash of pepperoncini juice Bring to a gentle simmer While the sauce is coming together cook pasta according to its instructions in well salted water
- Combine and Finish:
- Add fresh parmesan cooked pasta and sausage into the simmering cream sauce Toss everything together coating each piece completely Use a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick Top with sliced cajun chicken and serve immediately
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The creamy sauce will thicken but a splash of milk or broth revives it beautifully Heat gently on the stove rather than the microwave to preserve the luscious texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in turkey sausage or plant based sausage for a lighter version Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch If you cannot find pepperoncini banana peppers bring the same mild heat and tang
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Serving Suggestions
This pasta is fantastic with crusty garlic bread and a bright green salad It needs something crisp and fresh on the side For a special night I add roasted broccoli or simple lemony asparagus
Cultural Context
This dish pulls from Southern American cooking with cajun spices while marrying Italian classics like parmesan and cream It is the kind of meal that comes together from pantry and fridge staples and always feels like a treat
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or fusili are ideal, but any pasta you have on hand will work just fine.
- → Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! Use your favorite blend, or mix spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne at home.
- → How do I get a creamy sauce?
Whisk together heavy cream, butter, parmesan, and pepperoncini juice, then let it gently simmer to thicken.
- → Can I substitute the cream?
Half and half or evaporated milk are great alternatives for a lighter sauce, though the texture will change slightly.
- → What adds the tangy flavor?
Both the diced pepperoncini and a splash of juice from the jar give the sauce its signature tang.
- → Is this dish good for leftovers?
Yes, the flavors deepen after a day, making leftovers even tastier. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.