Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta with Rainbow Vegetables

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken & Sausage Pasta with Rainbow Vegetables
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American, Southern, Cajun And Creole
Ingredients: 350 g Boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 120 g smoked sausage, sliced, vegan, gluten free; [ ] Olive oil — 2 tsp; Smoked paprika — 1 tsp; [ ] Dried oregano — ½ tsp; [ ] Dried thyme — ½ tsp; [ ] Garlic powder — ½ tsp; [ ] Onion powder — ½ tsp; [ ] Cayenne pepper — ⅛ tsp; [ ] Black pepper — ¼ tsp; [ ] Salt, or to taste — ¼ tsp; Gluten-free penne pasta (dry) — 200 g; [ ] Chopped or fire-roasted tomatoes — 400 g; 250ml Low-sodium chicken stock; 60 ml full-fat coconut cream, unsweetened; [ ] Medium onion, diced — 1; [ ] Red bell pepper, diced — 1; [ ] Yellow bell pepper, diced — 1; [ ] Medium courgette, diced — 1; [ ] Baby spinach — 100 g; [ ] Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 tbsp

6 steps

Prep:10minCook:20min

This creamy Cajun chicken and sausage pasta is bold, smoky, and perfectly saucy, all made in one pot in about 30 minutes. The coconut cream creates a silky, dairy-free sauce that actually coats the pasta instead of sitting watery at the bottom (but the dish doesn't taste like coconut at all!). It’s one of those dinners that feels indulgent but still works on a busy weeknight, and it always disappears fast.

Updated at: Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:28:34 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Moderate

Glycemic Load

High

Nutrition per serving

Calories520.6 kcal (26%)

Total Fat16.5 g (24%)

Carbs64.5 g (25%)

Sugars10.7 g (12%)

Protein30.7 g (61%)

Sodium534.8 mg (27%)

Fiber9.3 g (33%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cajun chicken. Combine the paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt and black pepper in a bowl. Add the diced chicken and toss until evenly coated in the seasoning.

Step 2

Brown the chicken and sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown for approximately 2 minutes per side. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for another 2 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking while the pasta simmers.

Step 3

Add the vegetables. Add the onion, red pepper, yellow pepper and courgette to the same pan. Sauté for approximately 4–5 minutes until the onion begins to soften and the peppers develop a little colour. This adds sweetness and texture that complement the Cajun seasoning.

Step 4

Cook the pasta in the sauce. Add the uncooked penne, chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir well, cover and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10–14 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a splash of extra stock or water if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked. Gluten-free pasta can soften quickly, so begin checking it a few minutes before the package's recommended cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches 74°C internally.

Step 5

Make it creamy. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in the coconut cream. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, stir in the coconut cream. The sauce should be smooth, rich and lightly orange from the tomatoes and paprika.

Step 6