How to thicken cajun chicken pasta

To thicken Cajun chicken pasta sauce, use one or more of the following methods: Let the sauce simmer gently so it reduces naturally. Stir in a slurry made of equal parts cold water and cornstarch before simmering. Add extra cream or cheese, which naturally thickens as it heats. After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to let the sauce set and firm up before serving. Thickening ensures the sauce clings to each piece of pasta and prevents a watery casserole.

Can you have sausage casserole with pasta

Absolutely. A casserole combining sausage and pasta is a convenient, one-dish meal that delivers on flavor and texture. This recipe layers cooked penne pasta , sauteed sausage, chicken, and a creamy sauce into a casserole dish topped with cheese, making it easy to prepare, bake, and serve. It’s a perfect example of how to enjoy a sausage casserole with pasta at home.

What sausage is used for cajun pasta

Traditional Cajun pasta recipes use smoked Cajun sausage or andouille sausage , both offering smoky, slightly spicy flavors that enhance the dish's overall profile. If those are unavailable, turkey sausage can be substituted for a leaner option. However, it may lack some of the characteristic smoky notes that smoked Cajun sausage provides.

Does cajun chicken go with pasta

Yes, Cajun chicken pairs exceptionally well with pasta. The bold, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning complement long or short pastas by coating each bite in a creamy, tangy sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken breast seasoned with Cajun spice, cream, cheese, and pasta to create a harmonious dish. The spiciness adds depth, while the rich sauce gives it the comfort-food appeal we all love when searching for a Cajun chicken pasta casserole .

Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole : How To Make Irresistible

Name: This Is The Most Delicious Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole: How To Make It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced; 12 oz Smoked Cajun Sausage, Sliced; 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning; 1 medium Yellow Onion, Chopped; 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped; 3 cloves Garlic, Minced; 10 oz Penne Pasta; 2 cups Chicken Broth; 1.5 cups Heavy Cream; 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz); 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese; Salt and Pepper, to taste; Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish)

Description

This Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, smoky sausage, and pasta come together in a spicy Cajun cream sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced
12 oz Smoked Cajun Sausage, Sliced
1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
1 medium Yellow Onion, Chopped
1 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
3 cloves Garlic, Minced
10 oz Penne Pasta
2 cups Chicken Broth
1.5 cups Heavy Cream
1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz)
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish.
Cook penne pasta just shy of al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add sliced sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with chicken.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired for a golden crust.
Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
You can substitute penne with rotini, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 155mg