Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Fettuccine
Imagine twirls of fettuccine in a velvety, spicy Cajun sauce, with tender chicken and smoky sausage mingling in every bite.
Total: 40 minPrep: 15 minCook: 25 minServes 4Difficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Hot sauce, optional
Steps
- 1 Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- 2 While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3 Add chicken and sausage to skillet; cook until chicken is no longer pink.
- 4 Push chicken and sausage to the sides of the skillet; add bell pepper, onion, and garlic to center.
- 5 Sauté vegetables until softened, then sprinkle Cajun seasoning over everything and stir to combine.
- 6 Pour in chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- 7 Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 8 Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- 9 Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in parsley.
- 10 Serve immediately with a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations
- Add shrimp for extra seafood flair.
- Substitute mushrooms for a meaty vegetarian option.
Substitutions
- Use penne or spaghetti if fettuccine is unavailable.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option.
Pairings
- A zesty Caesar salad
- Warm, crusty bread
Nutrition
Calories:
720 kcal
Fat:
35g fat
Carbs:
50g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked chicken and fully cooked sausage.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the pasta.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or cream as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay.
FAQ
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the hottest spices in your blend.
What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage are traditional choices for Cajun dishes.