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One Pot Cajun Pasta

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines chicken, smoked sausage, and pasta with Cajun spices for a satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the base
  • 2 Tbs olive oil This golden oil lends a rich flavor to your dish.
  • 1 Large Red bell pepper (diced) Juicy and sweet, it adds a pop of color.
  • 1 Medium onion (diced) Aromatic and flavorful, it forms the base of your dish.
  • 1 Stalk celery (diced) Crisp and refreshing, bringing a slight crunch.
  • 2 Cloves garlic (minced) Fragrant and zesty, a must-have for depth.
Protein and pasta
  • 1 lb Chicken breast (cut into 1” pieces) Tender and juicy, it’s the main protein.
  • 1 lb Smoked sausage (sliced) Adds a delicious smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning A spicy blend that kicks up the flavor.
  • 16 oz Penne pasta Chewy and satisfying, it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Liquids and toppings
  • 5 cups Chicken broth Provides moisture and flavor, making your pasta delectable.
  • 14.5 oz can Petite diced tomatoes (undrained) Adds juiciness and acidity to balance the dish.
  • 4 oz Cream cheese Creamy and luscious, it creates a rich, smooth sauce.
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream Tangy and creamy; it complements the flavors perfectly.
  • Parsley (for garnish) Fresh and vibrant, adding a pop of green.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a Dutch oven or cast iron pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring until the vegetables are translucent and aromatic.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, releasing its fragrant oils.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken pieces and sliced smoked sausage to the pot. Sprinkle the Creole seasoning generously over the ingredients. Sauté everything together until the chicken is browned on all sides, taking about 5 minutes.
  2. Now, add the penne pasta, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  3. Turn up the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium. Make sure it’s still bubbling gently but not too fast.
  4. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened slightly, add the cream cheese and sour cream. Turn off the heat and stir until everything is combined and creamy.
  6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. If fresh herbs are available, feel free to toss in some thyme or oregano for added flavor. Leftovers can be reheated easily on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.