If you’re ready for a one-pan, flavor-exploding dinner that feels like a big, warm hug, then buckle up! Today I’m bringing you a truly luscious Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet that is guaranteed to warm your soul and rock your tastebuds. Weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a drag, but trust me, this one’s a game-changer. It’s got everything you could want: tender, spiced chicken, smoky sausage, tender-crisp veggies, and a rich, creamy sauce coating every single piece of pasta. This recipe is simple, it’s vibrant, it’s comforting, and honestly, it’s UNREAL. You’ll have this bold, beautiful dish on your table in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Wonder: Once the pasta is cooked (just 10 minutes!), everything else comes together right in one large skillet, meaning cleanup is a breeze!
Flavor Powerhouse: We’re hitting this dish with big, bold flavor from the Cajun seasoning, smoked turkey sausage, and rich garlic-tomato cream sauce. Every bite is a savory, slightly spicy party.
The Perfect Comfort: This pasta is the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for cozy nights in or when you just need a soul-soothing meal.
Ready in a Flash: With only about 40 minutes of total time, this is a fantastic, quick dinner solution that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

All you need for this delicious pasta skillet is a handful of fresh ingredients, some killer spices, and about 40 minutes! Yes, it’s that easy. But first, gather up these essentials:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We cut these into easy-to-eat strips for quick cooking and maximum surface area to grab that Cajun flavor.
Smoked Turkey Sausage: Slicing this adds a wonderful, smoky depth and a satisfying, chewy texture to the dish—it’s one of the keys to that signature Cajun profile.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the meats and veggies, forming the flavorful base of our entire dish.
Cajun Seasoning: This is the heart and soul of the recipe! It provides the iconic spicy, savory blend that makes this dish sing. Don’t be shy about adding a little extra at the end!
Small Onion and Red Bell Pepper: These are your aromatic veggies. They soften up and provide a touch of sweetness and beautiful color to balance the rich sauce.
Garlic: The ultimate flavor enhancer. Just 30 seconds of cooking brings out its nutty, aromatic goodness.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy, velvety texture that binds the sauce together. Don’t skip this!
Chicken Broth: Helps to create the perfect sauce consistency and keeps things from getting too heavy, while adding another layer of savory flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: Gives the sauce a lovely rustic texture, a bit of acidity, and a vibrant color that screams, “Dig in!”
Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape for this dish because those ridges (or “penne”) grab onto all that delicious, thick, creamy sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end, it melts beautifully, thickening the sauce and adding a wonderful salty, cheesy finish.
Paprika: A touch of color and a subtle sweet-smoky note to round out the spice blend.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and truly bringing all those big flavors into focus.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a pop of fresh color and herbaceous brightness.

Note: The precise ingredient measurements and a printable version of the recipe can be found right under this article in the recipe card!

How to Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

This dish is a snap to make, and because we’re doing most of the work in one pan, you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard!

Step 1: Get the Pasta Cooking

Start by cooking your penne according to the package directions. We want it al dente (slightly firm to the bite) because it will finish cooking and soak up all that sauce later. Drain it and set it aside while we build our flavor base.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat up your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken strips with some of that glorious Cajun seasoning. Cook them for about 4–5 minutes until they are perfectly golden and cooked through. Take the chicken out and set it aside—it’ll be back soon!

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Toss those sliced turkey sausages into the same skillet and let them cook for just 2–3 minutes until they get lightly browned and release some of that amazing smoky fat. Remove the sausage and place it next to the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Now we build the foundation! Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds until you can really smell that beautiful aroma.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Time for the magic! Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the rest of the Cajun seasoning and the paprika, then bring this beautiful mix to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the Meats

Return the cooked chicken and sausage to the skillet and let everything bubble together for about 5 minutes. This lets the meat absorb the creamy, spicy flavors and ensures the sauce is rich and ready.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Finally, add the drained pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens perfectly, clinging lovingly to the pasta. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot for a comforting, Cajun delight!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stick to the package directions for al dente. If you cook it too long initially, it will turn mushy once it simmers in the sauce. A slight chewiness is exactly what you want!
Use Good Quality Cajun Seasoning: The seasoning is the star here, so use one you love! If your blend isn’t very salty, you might need to add a touch more salt to the finished dish.
Deglaze the Pan: When you remove the chicken and sausage, don’t wipe out the skillet! Those browned bits on the bottom are pure flavor. When you add the onion and eventually the liquids, scrape up all those beautiful bits—it will add incredible depth to your sauce.
Swap the Pasta Shape: Don’t have penne? No problem! Rigatoni, ziti, or even fettuccine will work wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold that luscious cream sauce.

How to Serve

This skillet pasta is a hearty, complete meal all on its own, but here are a few fun ways to serve it or pair it up:

Fresh and Green: Pair this rich dish with a light, crisp side salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The bright, tangy dressing is a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
The Southern Way: Serve it with a side of homemade or store-bought cornbread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra bits of that amazing cream sauce!
Simple Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a classic! Slices of warm, buttery garlic bread are fantastic for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is so good you probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do, here’s how to handle them!

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken quite a bit as it cools—that’s normal!

Freezing

While you can freeze this, be aware that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly or become a bit grainy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and keep it for no more than 1-2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash or two of chicken broth or milk while stirring to help thin the sauce back out and restore that creamy texture. You can also use the microwave, but reheat it in short, 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, to prevent the cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein in this pasta skillet?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have chicken, you could easily use shrimp—just cook them for about 2–3 minutes until they’re pink before removing and setting aside. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely and add hearty vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Just make sure to adjust your seasoning accordingly to keep that bold flavor profile!

How can I make this Cajun pasta spicier?

If you like a real kick, I encourage you to dial up the heat! A couple of easy ways to do this are by increasing the amount of Cajun seasoning you use (especially if your blend is mild) or by adding a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the rest of the spices. For fresh heat, you could even sauté a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion and bell pepper.

Why did my creamy sauce break or look grainy when I added the cheese?

If your sauce separates or looks grainy, it’s usually a sign that it got too hot too fast, especially after the cheese was added. The key to a silky, smooth sauce is to keep the heat at a gentle simmer—never a hard boil—and to stir in the Parmesan cheese off the heat or once the heat is turned down to low. It melts best when it’s gently incorporated into the warm base, not when it’s shocked by high heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

The full dish is best served immediately because the pasta will continue to soak up the sauce as it sits. However, you can do all the prep work ahead of time! You can cook the chicken and sausage, chop the veggies, and even make the sauce (without the pasta or cheese) up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and combine everything in the skillet.