This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser! Packed with flavorful sausage, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice, it comes together in just one pot. Perfect for a quick dinner!
You’ll love how the creamy sauce hugs every piece of pasta. It’s comforting and filling, making it great for family nights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy less cleanup? 😉
Whenever I make this dish, I usually add some extra veggies for color. It’s such a breeze! Just toss everything in and let it simmer—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne works best for this dish, as the sauce clings to their shape. You can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or macaroni. Even gluten-free pasta can work well in this recipe!
Sausage: Andouille gives an authentic Cajun taste, but you can swap it for any smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try using plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
Bell Peppers: I recommend using a mix for color and sweetness. Feel free to use only one type or include other veggies like zucchini or spinach. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cajun Seasoning: If you’re out, make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. It’s a fun way to customize the spice level! You can also try taco seasoning if that’s what’s available.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
The creamy sauce is key to this pasta. Getting it smooth and flavorful can be tricky, but here’s how:
- Once you’ve sautéed the veggies and sausage, pour in the broth and cream together. This helps create a smooth base.
- Let it simmer gently. This lets the flavors blend and thickens the sauce. If it’s too thick, just add a little extra broth or water.
- Make sure to stir in the Parmesan cheese after removing from heat. This keeps it from clumping and makes for a creamy finish.
And don’t forget to taste your sauce before adding too much salt or pepper, it’s always best to adjust seasonings based on your preference!
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
- For the Sausage and Veggies:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound andouille or smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and then another 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned on both sides—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften. The colors will be beautiful and fragrant!
4. Season It Up:
Next, add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The smell will be amazing!
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste the sauce, and if needed, add salt and black pepper to your liking.
7. Combine Pasta and Sausage:
Now it’s time to add the browned sausage back into the pan and toss in the drained pasta. Make sure to stir everything together so that the pasta is coated evenly with that creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Final Cook:
Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Cajun Sausage Pasta with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy it hot for a hearty meal!
There you have it—a creamy, spicy, and filling Cajun Sausage Pasta that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives an authentic Cajun flavor, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausages or mushrooms.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. You can also omit the crushed red pepper entirely. For extra heat, feel free to increase them! Just remember to taste as you go.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead. Cook the pasta just before serving for best texture, as it may absorb the sauce if left too long. Reheat the sauce and mix in the freshly cooked pasta for optimal creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
