A one-pot Cajun chicken pasta recipe that's done in about 25 minutes. Cajun seasoned chicken breast and smoked sausage are sautéed with peppers onions. Noodles are simmered in the same skillet with broth and then mixed with Greek yogurt to make a creamy Cajun pasta sauce.
Cajun Pasta Skillet Questions Answered
This one-pot dinner is super simple and quick. In case you run into any questions along the way, I've covered everything below.
Which Sausage is Best?
Cajun flavored andouille is the most traditional option for any Cajun dish. You can really use any smoked sausage you have on hand or that you love. You'll be tosing the sausage with cajun seasoning anyway.
Can You Use Pre-mixed Cajun Seasoning?
Yes you can. If you have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can substitute all of the spices for 2 tablespoons of a Cajun seasoning blend.
What Size Skillet Should You Use?
To fit this whole recipe in one skillet, you'll need a big one! You'll also need a skillet with a lid. I used my trusty 12" cast iron skillet that I use for everything. For this skillet, the lid was sold separately.
How to Steam Noodles in the Skillet
Waiting for water boil to cook noodles takes (seemingly) forever. To cut down on cook time, These noodles can be cooked in broth with the rest of the ingredients.
This also allows the noodles to absorb a lot of the flavor of the Cajun seasoning, meats and vegetables.
Once you add broth to the cooked chicken and vegetables and scrape up any brown bits of flavor on the bottom of the pan, you can add the uncooked noodles. Stir to fully incorporate them with the other ingredients and then cover the skillet for 8-10 minutes.
When you take the lid off, you want the noodles to be just a minute or two shy of al dente, or however you prefer your noodles cooked. Then allow the remaining liquid to reduce down to about ½ a cup. While the liquid reduces, the noodles should be fully cooked.
Greek Yogurt Substitutions
I made this recipe using Greek yogurt because it's lower in calories and higher in protein - which is something we're always trying to get more of in our family.
If you're not fan - feel free to use sour cream or about 2 ounces of cream cheese.
Meal Prep and Storage
This quick Cajun skillet is great for a high protein meal prep (especially if you use protein noodles!).
Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze it in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months.
Other One-Pot Recipes
📖 Recipe
Cajun Chicken & Sausage Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 13-ounce smoked sausage (sliced into ½-inch pieces)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 10 ounces uncooked Penne noodles
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- SEASON THE MEAT: In a large bowl, combine all the spices and seasonings: paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, pepper and salt. Add the chicken and sausage and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning.
- COOK THE MEAT: Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet (make sure the pan has a lid that fits it for later) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and bottom of the pan is evenly coated, add the meat to the pan and spread in an even layer. Allow the meat to cook for 3-4 minutes and then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes.
- COOK THE VEGETABLES: Add the onion and pepper and cook an additional 3 minutes, or until they become just tender.
- ADD BROTH AND PASTA: Add the broth to the pan, scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan, then add the pasta. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
- COOK THE NOODLES: Bring the broth to a simmer; cover and cook for 10 minutes, the noodles just be almost done. Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the broth has almost completely reduced and the pasta is fully cooked.
- STIR IN THE YOGURT: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the yogurt to fully incorporate. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
RECIPE EQUIPMENT
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Mickey Dezell
Family is not a fan of vegetables in there dishes so I just used the meat and noodles with Cajun seasoning and boy was it a hit, had salad on the side for a great meal.
Lauren
So glad the whole family liked it!
Rosa
Easy to make, and sooo good and flavorful!! Thank you 😊