A Pot Full of Memories
My grandson calls this my “special occasion” pasta. I just call it delicious. The smell fills the whole house. It reminds me of big family dinners.
I first had something like this on a trip to Louisiana. The flavors were so big and happy. I knew I had to make my own version. I still smile thinking about that trip.
Why This Dish Matters
This recipe matters because it brings people together. A good meal can turn a regular day into a celebration. It is a way to show you care without saying a word.
Sharing food is an old, simple kind of love. Everyone gathers around the table. They talk and laugh. That is the real magic of cooking.
Getting Your Ingredients Ready
Let’s get everything set up. This makes the cooking part so much easier. Cut your chicken into little cubes. Slice the sausage into rounds.
Now, mix the spices for the chicken. This is where the flavor starts. Coating the chicken evenly is very important. Every piece should get a little love.
The Sizzle and The Sauce
Hear that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan? That is a good sound. It means dinner is on its way. I love that sound.
Now for the best part, the Alfredo sauce. You melt the butter and add the cream. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Then you stir in the cheese and watch it get all silky.
A Little Story For You
One time, I was making this for my family. I got talking and added the Cajun seasoning twice. It was very spicy! Everyone drank a lot of water. I still laugh at that.
So, learn from my mistake. Taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but you cannot take it out. What’s your funniest cooking mistake?
Bringing It All Together
This is my favorite step. You put everything back into the big pan. The pasta, the chicken, the sausage, and that lovely sauce. Stir it all gently.
If the sauce is too thick, use a splash of the pasta water you saved. It works like a charm. It makes the sauce perfectly creamy. Do you have a favorite pasta shape for creamy sauces?
A Final Thought and a Fun Fact
This dish feels fancy, but it is really just simple steps. Do not be afraid to make it your own. That is the joy of cooking.
Fun fact: The name “Alfredo” comes from a man in Rome. He created his famous butter and cheese pasta for his wife when she was pregnant. I think that is so sweet.
What is one recipe that always makes you think of someone you love? I would love to hear your stories.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine | 16 ounces | |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound | cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon + 1 teaspoon | divided use |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Paprika | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon | divided use |
| Smoked sausage or kielbasa | 1 ring (13.5 ounces) | cut into ¼-inch pieces |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) | |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups (476 g) | |
| Garlic | 1 tablespoon | minced |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tablespoon | |
| Crushed red pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup (100 g) | grated |
| Salt | to taste | |
| Parsley | for garnish |
My Cozy Cajun Chicken Sausage Alfredo
This recipe always reminds me of big family dinners. The table would be so loud with everyone talking. This dish fills the whole kitchen with the most wonderful smells. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and so comforting. I think you’re going to love making it.
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, get your pasta water boiling. Don’t forget a big pinch of salt in the water. It’s the only chance you get to flavor the pasta itself. Cook your fettuccine until it’s just tender. Save a cup of that starchy water before you drain it. You’ll see why later. (My hard-learned tip: set a timer for the pasta so you don’t forget it!).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken & Sausage
Now, let’s prepare our chicken. Toss those chicken pieces with all the spices. This makes every single bite so tasty. In a big skillet, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. I still laugh at how my grandson calls this “the chicken dance” in the pan. Then, add the sliced sausage just to warm it up. Remove it all from the pan and keep it cozy under some foil.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Here comes the magic part, the Alfredo sauce. Using the same skillet adds so much flavor. Melt the butter and let the garlic sizzle for a minute. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Pour in the heavy cream and all those seasonings. Let it bubble away until it starts to get thicker. This takes a little patience, but it’s worth it.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Now, bring everyone back to the party. Add the pasta, chicken, and sausage into that beautiful sauce. Toss it all together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that pasta water you saved. It works like a charm. What’s your favorite pasta shape to use? Share below!
Let’s Mix It Up!
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up with you. Here are a few fun twists I’ve tried over the years. They always make dinner feel new and exciting. My neighbors love it when I get creative.
- Veggie Lover’s Dream: Skip the meat. Add bell peppers and mushrooms with the garlic. So colorful and good.
- Extra Spicy Kick: Use andouille sausage. Add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper. For my brave friends!
- Summer Garden Alfredo: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes at the end. It’s so fresh and bright.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate
Now, let’s talk about serving this masterpiece. A good meal is about more than just the main dish. I love to twirl the pasta high with tongs onto a warm plate. It just looks more special that way. A little extra sprinkle of parsley on top makes it pretty.
For a side, a simple green salad is perfect. It cuts through the rich sauce. Some garlic bread is also wonderful for soaking up every last bit. You can’t let that delicious sauce go to waste.
What to drink? A cold glass of sweet iced tea is my go-to. For the grown-ups, a crisp glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Cajun Chicken Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Let’s talk about keeping your pasta tasty for later. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, use a skillet with a little water or cream. This helps the sauce become creamy again. I once microwaved it without liquid. The sauce turned oily and separated. A little extra liquid fixes everything.
This matters because a good meal shouldn’t go to waste. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy weeknight. You can have a warm, home-cooked meal ready fast. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems
Sometimes the sauce gets too thick. Just add a splash of your reserved pasta water. This thins the sauce and helps it stick to the pasta. I remember when my sauce turned into a thick paste. A little pasta water saved the whole dish.
Is your chicken dry? You might have cooked it too long. Cook it just until it is no longer pink inside. This keeps it juicy and full of flavor. Getting this right builds your cooking confidence.
If the dish is too spicy, add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. This will calm the Cajun seasoning down. Balancing flavors makes your food taste just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Cajun Alfredo Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It will work just the same.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can cook the chicken and sausage a day early. Then, just make the sauce fresh when you are ready.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream? A: Half-and-half will work, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Use your biggest pot and skillet to fit everything.
Q: Is the red pepper necessary? A: No, it just adds a little extra kick. You can leave it out. Which tip will you try first?
A Little Note From My Kitchen
I hope you love making this cozy meal. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. Cooking for others is a way to share love.
I would be so happy to see your creation. Share a picture of your finished dish with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s build a community of young cooks.
*Fun fact: Fettuccine Alfredo was invented in Rome, Italy, not New Orleans!* Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Cajun Chicken Sausage Alfredo Pasta
Description
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook al dente (8-10 minutes), or according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water; drain the rest. Set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss to coat all of the pieces evenly.
- To a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken cubes into the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add the smoked sausage and cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until warmed. Remove the chicken and smoked sausage from the skillet and place on a plate. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm as you continue with the recipe.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the heavy cream, cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir to combine. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a slow rolling boil.
- Reduce heat and boil gently until the mixture begins to thicken (about 6-8 minutes). Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Add cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat. Continue cooking until heated through. Add reserve pasta water, as needed, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.