A hearty, flavorful one-pot stew packed with smoky andouille sausage, tender chicken, white beans, and bold Cajun spices—finished with a creamy, zesty twist.
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal
📝 Ingredients
Proteins:
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1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables:
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1 cup diced onion
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1 cup diced celery
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1 cup diced bell pepper
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1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Beans:
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
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½ cup salsa verde
Seasonings:
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2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Base:
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1 tablespoon butter
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½ cup sour cream
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes:
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Fresh lime juice
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Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
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Sliced green onions
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meats
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In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sliced andouille sausage until it renders fat and crisps slightly. Remove and set aside.
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Add chicken thighs to the same pot, season with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and brown until just cooked through. Set aside with the sausage.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
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In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Stew
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Return sausage and chicken to the pot.
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Add chicken broth, white beans, salsa verde, remaining Cajun seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
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Stir in the butter, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese.
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Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the stew is creamy and heated through.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh lime juice, cilantro or parsley, and green onions.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Heat level: Add extra jalapeño or Cajun seasoning for more spice.
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Lighten up: Use reduced-fat sour cream and chicken breast instead of thighs to lower W-W points.
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Beans: Navy beans or cannellini beans work equally well.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: browning sausage → sautéing vegetables → adding beans and broth → stirring in sour cream → garnished bowl ready to serve)
Pro Tip: For a thicker stew, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the sour cream.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Andouille sausage & chicken: Create a balance of smoky, spicy, and juicy proteins.
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Holy Trinity veggies (onion, celery, bell pepper): Classic Cajun flavor base.
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White beans: Add creaminess and fiber.
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Salsa verde & Cajun seasoning: Give a bold, zesty flavor.
Substitutions:
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Swap chicken breast for thighs to lower fat and points.
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Light sour cream can replace full-fat sour cream.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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A few dashes of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
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Stir in chopped kale or spinach at the end for extra greens.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread (adds points).
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Top with avocado slices or extra green onions.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~420 kcal | Protein: ~32g | Carbs: ~20g | Fat: ~24g
W-W Points (per serving, based on 6 servings with full-fat sour cream and chicken thighs):
➡️ 10 Points
Lightened version (using chicken breast, reduced-fat sour cream, and turkey sausage):
➡️ 6 Points
W-W Points can vary depending on brands and sausage type. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Milk (sour cream, Parmesan), potential soy or gluten in sausage (check brand labels)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Yes! Double the jalapeño or add cayenne pepper to taste.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Absolutely—it will lower W-W points and add extra protein.
Q: Can this be made dairy-free?
A: Yes—omit the Parmesan and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This hearty stew was inspired by classic Cajun flavors but adapted into a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying enough for the whole family. It’s my go-to for chilly nights—and easy to adjust for a W-W-friendly version without losing the rich, bold taste!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried this creamy Cajun stew? Did you stick to the classic or add your own twists? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!