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Loaded Cajun Chicken Pasta

Loaded Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a vibrant and spicy combination of flavors, featuring three types of meat: chicken, shrimp, and sausage. Paired with linguine and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy every palate.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 5 People
Course: Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound linguine or fettuccine pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound andouille sausage sliced thinly
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese with extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground thyme
  • Parsley for optional garnish

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, keeping it warm.
  2. In a small bowl, combine one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning with half a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and thyme. Season the chicken and shrimp evenly with this mixture.
  3. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the pan, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and curl. Remove from the pan immediately and set aside, keeping them warm.
  4. Add a little more oil to the pan and cook the chicken pieces until they are fully cooked through, approximately 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside with the shrimp.
  5. Place the sausage slices in the same pan, warming them and allowing them to brown slightly. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the other cooked meats.
  6. Pour the remaining olive oil into the pan and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, half a teaspoon of salt, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the noodles thoroughly. Then, return the shrimp, chicken, and sausage to the pan and combine everything evenly.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate during the thawing process.