This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a fun and zesty dish that packs a flavorful punch! It includes tasty sausage with a mix of colorful veggies and a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Trust me, it’s so good that you’ll forget it’s easy to whip up! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Your taste buds will do a happy dance! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish calls for penne pasta, which holds the sauce beautifully. If you don’t have penne, use rigatoni or fusilli. They work well too!
Cajun Sausage: Andouille sausage adds bold flavor, but any smoked sausage will do. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage is a tasty alternative.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is perfect. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or even coconut milk could work, but they will change the flavor slightly.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt levels. Vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have store-bought Cajun seasoning, mix equal parts paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a hint of thyme for a homemade version.
How Do I Get that Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce is key to this Cajun Sausage Pasta. Start by making sure your heat is not too high while adding the cream to avoid separation. Here’s how to achieve that perfect creaminess:
- Once your sauce ingredients are in the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and allow it to warm gradually. This helps emulsify the sauce.
- Add the cheese gradually while stirring to ensure it melts evenly, making the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before mixing in the pasta to balance flavors.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a wonderfully creamy dish that complements the spicy sausage! Enjoy cooking!
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (andouille or smoked sausage), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 20 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. It’s quick, effortless, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on both sides. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add Seasonings:
Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything well, and bring to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld together.
6. Make it Creamy:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste to ensure the flavors shine.
7. Combine Pasta and Sausage:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix in the drained pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the delicious sauce.
8. Heat Through:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes over low heat until everything is heated through. This will help the pasta absorb some of that amazing flavor!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Dish out the Cajun Sausage Pasta into bowls or onto plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy, tasty Cajun Sausage Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage gives a classic Cajun flavor, you can use any smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of cream cheese and milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute, keeping in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you crave more heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños into the mix. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
