This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is a rich, spicy, and ultra-satisfying one-pot dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with tender chicken, smoky sausage, gluten-free pasta, and a luscious dairy-free coconut sauce, it’s the kind of comfort food that hits the spot without weighing you down.
If you love bold Louisiana flavors and easy weeknight meals, this Cajun-inspired pasta will become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta brings together the best of Southern-inspired comfort food in a single pot. It’s loaded with protein, full of flavor, and has just the right amount of Cajun heat.
Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- ✅ One-pot magic: Everything cooks in the same pot, so cleanup is minimal.
- 🌶️ Bold flavor: Each bite is packed with smoky, garlicky Cajun spice and creamy goodness.
- 🥥 Dairy-free & gluten-free: The sauce gets its silky texture from coconut cream instead of heavy dairy.
- 🍗 Protein-packed: Juicy chicken breast and spicy Andouille sausage make it hearty and filling.
- ⏱️ 30-minute meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast yet homemade.
This dish takes inspiration from Louisiana’s Cajun roots—a mix of French, Creole, and Southern flavors that balance spice, smoke, and comfort. The result? A pasta dish that feels indulgent but stays surprisingly light.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into your pot of creamy Cajun deliciousness:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but chicken thighs add a juicier flavor if preferred.
- Andouille Sausage: Smoky and spicy, it gives the dish that authentic Cajun taste. For less spice, use smoked chicken sausage or kielbasa.
- Penne Pasta: Use gluten-free penne or any short pasta that holds sauce well. Chickpea or brown rice pasta are great options.
- Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and balances the spice.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Bring a slightly smoky, tangy layer that deepens the sauce flavor.
- Coconut Cream: The secret to the dairy-free creamy sauce. Full-fat, unsweetened coconut cream works best.
- Chicken Broth: Builds the sauce base and helps cook the pasta.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat.
- Cajun Seasoning: A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper—or your favorite store-bought blend.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish.
Customize It Your Way
Make this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta fit your taste or dietary preferences:
- 🥬 Make it vegetarian: Replace meat with plant-based sausage, chickpeas, or hearty veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- 🌈 Add more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach blend beautifully into the sauce.
- 🌶️ Control the spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper or choose a mild sausage if you prefer a gentle kick.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
Follow these simple steps to get that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and flavor—all in one pot.
Step 1: Mix the Cajun seasoning
In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper—or simply use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in the Cajun seasoning until fully coated. This ensures every piece is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Sear the chicken and sausage
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Add the sausage slices and diced onion, cooking until the onion softens and turns translucent.
Step 4: Add pasta and liquids
Stir in uncooked pasta, the can of fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Cover and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer to perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Make it creamy
Stir in coconut cream until melted and smooth. Let it simmer another minute or two for that irresistibly creamy texture. Garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Success
- Cook gluten-free pasta slightly under al dente—it will soften more as it simmers.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken! It adds incredible flavor depth.
- For a lighter version, reduce coconut cream to ⅓ cup or use light coconut milk.
- Want a restaurant-style finish? Sprinkle vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top.
Serving Ideas
This Cajun chicken pasta is satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
- Fresh salads such as cucumber-tomato-avocado salad for a refreshing side.
- Crispy shrimp or grilled fish for a seafood twist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to refresh the sauce.
Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Dairy-Free One Pot Recipe)
- Total Time: 30min
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is the ultimate one-pot weeknight dinner! Juicy chicken, smoky sausage, gluten-free pasta, and a luscious coconut-based sauce come together for a spicy, dairy-free meal packed with bold Cajun flavor — ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning (or use 1 tbsp store-bought Cajun spice)
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (reduce for less spice)
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt
For the Pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into ½-inch cubes
14 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced (or chicken sausage for milder flavor)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
12 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes, with juice
2 cups chicken broth (or bone broth)
½ cup unsweetened full-fat coconut cream (or heavy cream if not dairy-free)
Chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish
Instructions
-
Mix the Cajun Seasoning:
In a small bowl, stir together smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. -
Season the Chicken:
Add diced chicken to a medium bowl and toss with the Cajun seasoning until well coated. -
Sear the Chicken and Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked).
Add sliced sausage and diced onion; cook 2–3 minutes until the onion softens. -
Add Pasta and Liquids:
Stir in uncooked pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth.
Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits for extra flavor.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. -
Simmer:
Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce. -
Make It Creamy:
Stir in coconut cream and cook for 1–2 more minutes until smooth and silky.
Adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat. -
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Pasta Tip: Cook slightly under al dente — it will continue softening as it simmers.
- Dairy-Free Substitution: Coconut cream gives the sauce its luscious texture, but heavy cream works for non-dairy-free versions.
- Make It Lighter: Use ⅓ cup coconut cream or light coconut milk.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage and chicken for plant-based protein or extra veggies.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20min
