Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet

This Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet has a rich and creamy texture. We prepare this creamy skillet with juicy chicken breast, smoked sausage, penne pasta, olive oil, garlic, onion, chicken broth, heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. This pasta skillet contains approximately 620 calories and 38 g of protein. We make this Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet in about 45 minutes. This pasta skillet is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, comfort food cravings, dinner parties, busy weekdays, and cozy evenings. We refrigerate leftovers for more than 3 days and freeze them for not less than two months, so it’s great for making it beforehand. You can serve this pasta skillet with garlic bread, Mediterranean cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, lemon herb rice, or a light green salad.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Diet: Non-vegetarian, Mediterranean
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-Cajun Fusion
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Portion Size: 1.5 cups
• Cooking mode: Stovetop
• Total servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Total time: 45 minutes

TOOLS:

• Large deep skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander
• Ladle

INGREDIENTS:

• 250g penne pasta
• 2 chicken breasts
• 200g smoked sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• Black pepper
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• Salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Parsley

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

CHICKEN BREASTS:

• Since chicken breasts are high in fat and protein, they need to be utilized. Alternatively, we may use chicken thighs, turkey breast, or ground chicken.

CHILI FLAKES:

• This creamy pasta skillet will be hotter and have a deeper taste thanks to the chili flakes. Paprika, cayenne, or fresh green chiles can be used in its place.

HEAVY CREAM:

• We utilize heavy cream, which results in a smooth texture and a higher fat content. Alternatively, you can use coconut cream, evaporated milk, or unsweetened cashew cream.

SMOKED SAUSAGE:

• You may utilize smoked sausage, which will give it a thick texture and smoky flavor. We can substitute chorizo, sugar-free kielbasa, or sliced bacon.

PENNE PASTA:

• As the penne pasta is used to coat it with the creamy sauce, utilize it. As a replacement, you can use farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni.

CAJUN SEASONING:

• We must use the Cajun seasoning since it adds a smoky and spicy flavor. Alternatively, you can use blackening seasoning, smoky chili seasoning, or Creole seasoning.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oil in a pan on a slow flame.
2. Include the chicken strips, and garnish with pepper, Cajun seasoning, and salt, and cook till they are golden.
3. Include the slices of sausage in the same pan, and cook till it is slightly browned.
4. Slowly cook the garlic and onions till it is fragrant.
5. Mix in the chili flakes, cherry tomatoes, and paprika.
6. Cook them till the tomatoes are tender.
7. Fill in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
8. Include the uncooked pasta and slowly cook till the sauce is tender and thickens.
9. Add the sausage & chicken again to the skillet.
10. Stir in the spinach till it wilts.
11. Put the parmesan cheese & lemon juice & stir them perfectly.
12. Slowly cook till the pasta is creamy, for about three minutes.
13. Serve this creamy pasta skillet warm with fresh parsley.

TIPS:

• We utilize the freshly grated Parmesan that melts perfectly and smoothly.
• Carefully include the cream to prevent curdling.
• Slowly cook the sauce to get a deep and strong flavor.
• Avoid cooking the pasta for an extra time, so it will provide a perfect texture.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

BAKERY AND BREAD PAIRINGS:

• Garlic Butter Toast
• Herb Focaccia Bread
• Crispy Baguette Slices
• Cheesy Garlic Knots
• Warm Dinner Rolls

SALADS:

• Mediterranean Cucumber & Olive
• Classic Caesar
• Arugula Lemon Parmesan
• Greek Salad with Feta
• Tomato Basil

SIDES:

• Lemon Herb Rice
• Garlic Butter Rice Pilaf
• Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Buttered Basmati Rice

VEGETABLES:

• Roasted Zucchini and Bell Peppers
• Grilled Eggplant Slices
• Honey-Glazed Carrots
• Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
• Mediterranean Grilled Mushrooms

ADD-ONS:

• Tzatziki Sauce Dip
• Lemon Yogurt Dressing
• Pickled Vegetables Mix
• Olives and Feta Platter
• Cucumber Yogurt Salad

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Store this creamy pasta skillet at 40°Fahrenheit.

FREEZER:

• Store this creamy pasta skillet portioned in a closed box for almost 45-60 days.

FAQs:

May we utilize the already-cooked chicken?

• Sure, you can use the pre-cooked chicken, but include it in the last.

Can we decrease the amount of spices?

• Yes, you can skip the chili flakes and decrease the Cajun seasoning.

Will we prepare this creamy pasta skillet dairy-free?

• Yes, you can utilize the use nutritional yeast and coconut cream as a replacement for cheese and cream.

Which past is ideal for using?

• You can use the fusilli or penne, as they work perfectly.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Calories: 620 kcal

Sodium: 780 mg

Net carbs: 48 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 5 g

Fats: 32 g

Proteins: 38 g

Portion Size: 1.5 cups

Total carbs: 52 g