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Recipe

Applebee's Chicken & Andouille Sausage Pasta (Copycat)

Main Course American / Cajun Applebee's copycat chicken pasta andouille sausage pasta creamy Cajun pasta
Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Serves 4
Cal / serving 720

A creamy Cajun-style pasta with grilled chicken and smoky andouille sausage, tossed with peppers in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Scale

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or tongs

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 12-14 oz andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • Optional: 1/2 onion, sliced
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed and cook the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add butter and olive oil to the same pan. Add bell peppers (and onion if using) and cook until slightly softened but still crisp.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
  8. Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated in sauce.
  9. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a more authentic flavor, use real andouille sausage instead of kielbasa.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar for a slightly sweeter, restaurant-style sauce.
  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth.
  • If sauce is too thin, simmer longer until desired consistency is reached.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories 720 kcal
Carbohydrates 52 g
Protein 38 g
Fat 42 g
Saturated fat 20 g
Cholesterol 165 mg
Sodium 1100 mg
Potassium 620 mg
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 5 g
Vitamin A 900 IU
Vitamin C 45 mg
Calcium 280 mg
Iron 3 mg

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