Get ready to spice up dinnertime with Dirty Cajun Pasta, a bold and flavorful one-pot dish that brings the vibrant taste of the South straight to your table! Packed with hearty slices of smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken thighs, and succulent shrimp, this creamy pasta creation bursts with layers of Cajun-inspired goodness. Each bite is infused with the perfect blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and paprika, complemented by a rich and velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of chicken broth. Colorful bell peppers and onions add a delightful crunch and sweetness, while fresh green onions and parsley brighten up the dish. Ready in just an hour, this crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for a cozy family dinner or festive gathering. Serve it up hot and watch this savory, satisfying Cajun pasta become an instant favorite!
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Slice the andouille sausage into rounds, then sauté until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
Season the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and paprika, coating the vegetables evenly.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the sausage, chicken, and shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined and coated with the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories |
4582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 358.7 g | 460% | |
| Saturated Fat | 167.5 g | 838% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1836 mg | 612% | |
| Sodium | 11174 mg | 486% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.2 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.0 g | ||
| Protein | 249.9 g | 500% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1215 mg | 93% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 3375 mg | 72% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.