Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta (Dairy-Free One Pot Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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

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

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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