A creamy, flavorful weeknight meal with minimal cleanup and big family appeal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Effortless cleanup: One pot does it all—reduce dishes and kitchen stress.
-
Richly flavored: Cajun-inspired spices, tender chicken, and smoky sausage come together in a creamy tomato sauce.
-
Kid-approved: Mild heat, simple ingredients, and hearty portions make it a hit with little ones.
-
Flexible and fast: Ready in 40 minutes with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Ingredients
-
2 Tbsp olive oil
-
1 large red bell pepper, diced
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
1 stalk celery, diced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1″ pieces
-
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
-
1 Tbsp Creole seasoning (adjust for spice)
-
16 oz penne pasta
-
5 cups chicken broth
-
14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
-
4 oz cream cheese
-
¼ cup sour cream
-
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
-
Sauté aromatics
In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook until translucent (~3 minutes). -
Add garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. -
Brown proteins
Add chicken and sausage, sprinkle Creole seasoning evenly, and cook until chicken is browned on all sides (~5 minutes). -
Simmer pasta
Stir in pasta, broth, and diced tomatoes. Raise heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Finish creamy sauce
Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and combined. -
Garnish & serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside garlic bread and salad.
You Must Know
-
Spice control: Adjust the Creole seasoning to your taste; more for heat, less for mild.
-
Meat swap: Use andouille sausage for extra smoky spice.
-
Pasta choice: Penne, bowties, corkscrews, or macaroni—just stick to mid-sized shapes for best sauce absorption.
Make Ahead and Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
-
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Seasonal Variations
-
Spring/Summer: Add fresh corn kernels or cherry tomatoes.
-
Fall/Winter: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra warmth and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
-
Crunchy garlic bread and a crisp salad round out the meal.
-
Pair with a green veggie like roasted broccoli or green beans.
-
For adults, serve with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea.
No‑Bake Alternative
Skip the baking and enjoy this hearty pasta straight from the stove! Just follow the stovetop instructions above—no oven required.
Pro Tips
-
Maintain a gentle simmer—too high and the pasta overcooks, too low and it’s too firm.
-
Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
-
Taste before serving—adjust seasoning and creaminess to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just check the cooking time and adjust the broth amount if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Substitute chicken and sausage with plant-based proteins or beans, and use veggie broth.
Can I prep ingredients ahead?
Yes—you can chop veggies and measure spices in advance for even faster meals.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Cajun Pasta is a tasty, fuss-free recipe perfect for weeknights. With layers of flavor, creamy texture, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how yours turns out!
