Cajun Sausage Pasta

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This Cajun Sausage Pasta is creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. It’s an easy one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights!

I love making this creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta because it’s so full of flavor and easy to cook. I prepare it for my family whenever we want a warm and comforting meal. My mother always says that a good pasta dish can bring people together, and this one does exactly that. It is spicy, creamy, and packed with delicious sausage, making it a favorite in my home. We like to have it for dinner a lot, especially on busy nights, and it’s always a meal that disappears fast!

So, it will be my first choice when I need a quick and satisfying meal. I make it about twice a month because it is easy to prepare and never gets boring. When I make it, I love adding extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. The creamy sauce mixed with smoky sausage and Cajun seasoning creates the perfect balance of heat and flavor.

You can also add some other ingredients like mushrooms or spinach if you like, and the result is just wow! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect dinner, this recipe never fails.

For serving, I prefer pairing it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Some extra Parmesan on top makes it even better. This recipe is super easy to make and great for busy days when you need something filling and delicious.

Why Cajun Sausage Pasta?

Cajun Sausage Pasta is the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy one-pan meal that is ready in just 30 minutes. The smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and creamy sauce create a rich and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite!

Perfect For:

  • Busy Weeknights: This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for nights when you don’t have much time to cook.
  • Family Dinners: The creamy sauce and bold flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Meal Prep: It reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
  • Spicy Food Lovers: If you love a little heat, the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes add the perfect amount of spice!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

How to make Cajun Sausage Pasta

Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 4:

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5:

Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6:

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 7:

Enjoy hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired!

Helpful Tips

  • This ensures the pasta remains firm and doesn’t get too soft when mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so check it a minute before the recommended cooking time.
  • Andouille sausage provides the best smoky flavor, but if you prefer something milder, kielbasa or regular smoked sausage will also work well. Make sure to brown the sausage to bring out its rich flavors.
  • If you love heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less spice and adjust to taste as you cook. You can always add spice, but you can’t take it out!
  • Adding the cheese too quickly can cause it to clump instead of melting smoothly into the sauce. Stir it in gradually and continuously mix for a creamy texture.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or a little more cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken naturally.
  • Bell peppers should be slightly tender but still have a little crunch. Cooking them too long can make them mushy and reduce their fresh, vibrant flavor. Add them in at the right time to keep them crisp.
  • After mixing everything, let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to fully coat the pasta and thicken slightly, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Optional Ingredients

  1. Mushrooms – Adds an earthy flavor and extra texture.
  2. Spinach – Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
  3. Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a fresh and juicy touch.
  4. Shrimp – Replace or mix with sausage for a seafood twist.
  5. Heavy Cream Substitute – Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
  6. Fresh Herbs – Garnish with basil or parsley for added freshness.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta?

My favorite way to serve this dish is with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad. The warm, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the creamy and spicy sauce.

You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a healthier option. The fresh veggies balance the richness of the pasta.

For a heartier meal, pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or cornbread. The combination of flavors is incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Recipe Variations

Extra Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.

Seafood Cajun Pasta: Replace sausage with shrimp or a mix of shrimp and sausage.

Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Baked Cajun Pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden.

How to Store

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

For freezing, store the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove for best results.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! Andouille sausage adds a smoky and spicy kick, but you can use kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a milder flavor.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add a little extra cream or cheese to balance the spice.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then mix them together when reheating for the best texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta are great choices as they hold onto the sauce well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese.

How do I prevent my sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while stirring.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes! Since the pre-cooked sausage is already done, simply slice and heat it in the pan before adding the other ingredients.

How can I add more vegetables?

You can add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Cajun Sausage Pasta

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: CajunDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is creamy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. It’s an easy one-pan meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 12 oz (340g) smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  • Enjoy hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired!

Notes

  • Andouille sausage provides the best smoky flavor, but if you prefer something milder, kielbasa or regular smoked sausage will also work well. Make sure to brown the sausage to bring out its rich flavors.