Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish with a spicy, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and smoky sausage. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe brings the warmth and spice of Cajun cooking straight to your table, blending flavors that are both comforting and vibrant.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Prep

1. Slice Sausage: Cut the sausage into ¼-inch rounds.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic.
3. Measure Out Spices: If your Cajun seasoning is unsalted, you may want to add a touch of salt to the final dish.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Sausage: Add the sausage slices and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
2. Season: Sprinkle in 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you like more heat. Stir to coat the vegetables.

Making the Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1. Add Chicken Broth: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the bottom and release all the browned bits for extra flavor.
2. Add Cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Return Sausage: Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, mixing it with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cook

1. Add Pasta: Stir the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
2. Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Seasoning

1. Stir in Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
2. Taste and Season: Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and flavor.
2. Serve Hot: Cajun Sausage Pasta is best enjoyed immediately while warm and creamy.
3. Side Options: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Shrimp: For extra protein, add shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Add Vegetables: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can add color and nutrients.
3. Use Different Pasta: Short pasta shapes like bowties or rotini work well for texture.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
2. Use High-Quality Cajun Seasoning: This makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
3. Adjust Spice Level: Start with less Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat, then add more as needed.

Conclusion

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying one-pan meal that brings the tastes of Cajun cooking into your kitchen. With smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, spicy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet packed with flavor. Serve it up with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Yield: 4

Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Print

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish with a spicy, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and smoky sausage. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe brings the warmth and spice of Cajun cooking straight to your table, blending flavors that are both comforting and vibrant. The best part? This one-pot meal comes together in less than an hour and requires minimal cleanup!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
   In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   
3. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce:
   Return the sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika (if using) over the mixture, and stir to coat.
   Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
   
4. Add the Cheese and Pasta:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Customize Heat Level: For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Vegetables: You can add other veggies like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.