Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful dish packed with spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fun mix of comfort and a kick of heat!
Whenever I make this, the aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t resist sneaking a bite before serving. Who can blame me? It’s just so tasty! 😋
This recipe is super easy to whip up after a long day, and it’s a hit with everyone. I love to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving—because, why not?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love penne for this recipe because its shape holds the sauce well. If you’re short on penne, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti in a pinch!
Cajun Sausage: Andouille sausage brings great flavor, but feel free to use any smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian sausage can work too if you want a meat-free dish.
Heavy Cream: The cream gives this dish a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, half-and-half can be used, or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are nice, but canned diced tomatoes work just as well. If you’re a fan of tangy flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist!
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, try mixing equal parts paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Adjust the heat level to your taste!
How Do You Get the Sausage Crispy Without Burning It?
Getting the sausage nice and crispy adds great flavor to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot when adding the sausage. This helps it brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to get that crispy texture.
- Let the sausage sit without stirring for a couple of minutes to develop a nice golden crust.
These small steps can make a big difference in both flavor and texture, so take your time here for the best results!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Cream Sauce?
Sometimes a sauce might need just a bit more thickness to coat the pasta perfectly. Here’s how you can do it:
- Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Keep stirring occasionally!
- If you want it thicker right away, a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) can be added to the simmering sauce.
- Stir in cheese! Adding more Parmesan not only thickens the sauce but makes it extra delicious.
By following these tips, your sauce will be creamy and cling to the pasta beautifully, making each bite delightful!
How to Make Delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (such as Andouille), sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total! Around 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and cooking, and another 20 minutes for simmering and bringing all the flavors together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain it in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until it turns brown and slightly crispy on both sides. When it’s done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and the sliced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften up a little bit. This adds a nice sweetness to the flavor!
4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that lovely aroma. Stir in the diced tomatoes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes to blend all the flavors together.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything well! Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, that warmth really helps meld those flavors.
6. Combine Everything:
Put the cooked sausage back in the skillet and let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then add the penne pasta into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat everything in that rich creamy sauce.
7. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and combined into the sauce. This gives it that extra richness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley and any extra Parmesan cheese you like. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, creamy delight!
This Cajun Sausage Pasta is sure to be a hit with its savory spices and satisfying textures – a wonderful comfort food dish!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can substitute it with any pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or using a spicier sausage like hot Italian sausage instead of the Andouille. You can also increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Lighter or Dairy-Free?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of Greek yogurt and broth. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
