New Orleans Pasta

New Orleans Pasta

New Orleans Pasta (Cheddar’s Copycat Recipe)

This creamy and slightly spicy New Orleans Pasta is a Cheddar’s favorite you can easily make at home! Loaded with smoky sausage, tender chicken, and bold Cajun flavor, it’s a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes.

I don’t have a Cheddar’s restaurant by me, but I went to one once when I was out of town and I fell in love with this dish!

It is served with shrimp in the restaurant, but I am the only one who eats shrimp here, so I usually leave it out.  If you wanted to add it, just add 16 medium to large shrimp to the pan with the chicken; cook until the shrimp is cooked through.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. penne pasta (1 box)

• 2 Tablespoons oil (olive, vegetable, or canola)

• ½ cup sliced onion (about 1 small onion)

• ½ cup sliced green bell pepper (about ½ pepper)

• 7 oz. smoked sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 bag Homemade Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips (½ recipe)

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 cup prepared salsa

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 Tablespoons butter

Optional: Add 16 medium to large shrimp along with the chicken for an authentic restaurant-style version.

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Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, and sausage; sauté for about 4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and onions are translucent.

3. Stir in chicken, cayenne pepper, salsa, heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.

4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce.

Serves: 6 (about 2 cups each)

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New Orleans Pasta