Cajun Pasta with Sausage, Shrimp & Chicken

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into medallions
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnishing
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnishing
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) for garnishing

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Return the cooked sausage and chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.