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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced bell peppers and onions until they become translucent and tender, roughly 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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