Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe: A Spicy Comfort Classic

Whipping up a delightful Cajun sausage pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Spicy andouille sausage dances with rich cream sauce, creating an explosion of southern flavors.

Robust seasonings punch through each bite, promising a meal that sparks conversation.

Louisiana-style cooking meets weeknight convenience in this simple yet impressive dish.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, turning ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Prepare to be transported by bold, zesty notes that make every forkful an adventure.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Bursting With Spice

• Quick and Hearty Meal: Create a satisfying dinner that combines protein-packed sausage with creamy pasta in just one skillet, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking sessions.
• Burst of Cajun Flavor: Infuse your meal with bold, spicy Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Prepare a complete meal using just one skillet, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after a delicious dinner.

Ingredients To Whip Up Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the pasta dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for cooking the pasta and enhancing overall flavor.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Spinach (Optional): Adds a pop of green color and nutritional value to the pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a light, herbal note.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth, and creamy texture for the pasta sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the skillet.

• Cajun Seasoning: Provides a spicy, bold flavor profile characteristic of Cajun cuisine.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds an extra kick of heat for spice lovers.

• Uncooked Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that absorbs the flavorful sauce.

Instructions To Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in the colorful bell peppers and onions.

Saute until they become tender and slightly translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Ignite the Flavor Profile

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and garlic powder over the vegetables, ensuring every piece gets coated with the zesty spice blend.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Pasta Magic

Directly add uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables and broth.

• Ensure pasta is fully submerged
• Cook until pasta becomes tender
• Allow liquid to reduce and be absorbed

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. If desired, add fresh spinach and let it gently wilt into the mixture.

Step 6: Reunite the Ingredients

Return the seared sausage to the skillet, mixing everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice to match your flavor preference.

Step 7: Final Flourish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Serve immediately while piping hot and savor every delectable bite.

Pro Tips To Nail Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more for a bolder kick.
• Use pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well and create better texture.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories.
• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Replace sausage with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.

Variations To Switch Up Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based chorizo or spicy black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that keeps the Cajun flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea or rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the rich sauce and Cajun spices intact for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a vegan-friendly creamy sauce that doesn't compromise on taste.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy pasta and complement the Cajun spices.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the Cajun sausage pasta.

Choose a hoppy IPA or a wheat beer with citrus notes to enhance the dish’s bold Cajun seasoning and creamy texture.

Add a splash of lime or lemon to sparkling water, providing a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, creamy pasta.

Storing Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve taste and texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well in this recipe. Just ensure cooking times are adjusted accordingly.

• How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Use less for mild flavor or add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Most Cajun seasonings provide a moderate kick.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain wheat-based ingredients.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta weaves Louisiana’s bold flavors into a hearty comfort dish that dances with rich, creamy textures. Zesty andouille sausage and robust seasonings promise a mouthwatering journey through southern culinary traditions you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cooking and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Sear the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate and reserve.
2. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced bell peppers and onions until they become translucent and tender, roughly 3-4 minutes.
3. Intensify the flavor profile by incorporating Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, thoroughly coating the vegetables. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and allow it to reach a gentle simmer.
4. Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, ensuring thorough integration. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
5. Transition the heat to low and incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until a smooth, velvety sauce develops. If desired, add fresh spinach and allow it to gently wilt into the mixture.
6. Reintroduce the previously seared sausage into the pasta, carefully folding all components together. Calibrate seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun spice to personal preference.
7. Finalize the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot by increasing or decreasing the amount.
• One-Pan Magic: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking sausage, vegetables, and pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap pork sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage to accommodate different dietary preferences without losing flavor complexity.
• Creamy Sauce Rescue: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to maintain a silky, smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg