CAJUN CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE PASTA

Prep time: 15 mins 
Cook time: 25 mins 
Total time: 40 mins 
Serves: 4 

Ingredients: 

For the Pasta: 

• 1 pound penne or fettuccine pasta 
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 pound chicken breasts, diced 
• 1/2 pound Andouille sausage, sliced 
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 
• Salt and black pepper to taste 
• 1/2 cup onion, diced 
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• 1/2 cup chicken broth 
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Cook the Pasta: 
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 
3. Prepare the Chicken and Sausage: 
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
5. Add the diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned and cooked through. 
6. Add the sliced Andouille sausage and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until browned. 
7. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken and sausage mixture, stirring to coat. 

Make the Sauce: 

1. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. 
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. 
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2 minutes, until the cheese is melted. 
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: 
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy Cajun sauce. 
6. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. 

Serve: 

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.