Follow Me On Social Media!
Looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen for hours? Look no further than this delectable recipe for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. Picture this: smoky andouille sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions dancing in a rich, creamy sauce that’s just spicy enough to awaken your taste buds. Each forkful of this Louisiana-inspired pasta will transport you to a fancy Creole eatery right at your own dining table.
I stumbled upon this recipe on a night when I was yearning for something with a kick but didn’t want the hassle of a complicated meal. The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta lies in its simplicity – the crispy sausage, the tender veggies, and that luscious sauce all come together effortlessly to create a dish that even self-proclaimed cooking critics can’t resist. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder palette, this pasta is versatile enough to please everyone at the table. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and get ready to whip up a meal that’s both comforting and exciting all at once.
Quick Benefits
- Quick and easy to make for a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen
- Rich and creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat for a satisfying dish
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with shrimp, diced tomatoes, or chicken sausage for different flavor profiles
- Reheats well with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy and delicious
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Bold and Satisfying Flavors: The Cajun seasoning, smoked andouille sausage, and creamy sauce create a rich and satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Can be made gluten-free with the use of gluten-free pasta and dairy-free by substituting coconut milk for heavy cream.
- Family-Friendly: Even those who are spice-sensitive can enjoy it with extra Parmesan and bread to cool things down.
- Restaurant-Quality: Delivers the taste of a fancy Creole restaurant in the comfort of your own home.
- Customizable: Add shrimp or chicken sausage for variety, diced tomatoes for freshness, or extra heat with hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Great for Leftovers: While best fresh, leftovers can be enjoyed for up to 3 days with a simple reheating tip to maintain the creamy texture.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress guests with this flavorful dish that pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, and a cold beer or white wine.
Ingredients for Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Pasta & Base
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 (12 oz) package smoked andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
Sauce & Finishing
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley for serving
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How to Make Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente following package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining, and do not rinse the pasta.
Step 2: Cook sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning until crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté vegetables
Reduce heat to medium and add onion, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until softened for about 3 minutes. Then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste in a saucepan and whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to slightly thicken.
Step 5: Combine and serve
Mix in Parmesan cheese, combine with cooked pasta and crispy sausage, tossing to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Serve right away with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Storage Tips
To store the finished dish of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for about 3 days. However, it’s essential to note that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. To combat this, when reheating, consider adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Leftovers can be easily reheated either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, making sure to stir occasionally and incorporate some extra liquid to maintain the desired texture.
For longer storage, you can also freeze this pasta dish. Portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a little extra liquid during reheating to refresh the sauce and ensure a creamy consistency. This dish retains its flavors well after freezing, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you would like to make this recipe vegetarian, you can easily swap the andouille sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. This substitution will still provide a great texture and flavor profile while catering to a vegetarian diet.
For a healthier twist, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like Greek yogurt or cashew cream. These alternatives will still provide creaminess to the dish but with less fat and calories. Additionally, using whole grain or legume-based pasta instead of traditional white pasta can add extra fiber and nutrients to the meal without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the presentation of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, consider serving it in individual mini cast-iron skillets. This adds a rustic charm to the dish and keeps it warm for longer at the table. Top each skillet with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers. Simply cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, then fill each pepper with the pasta mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender and slightly charred for a unique and eye-catching presentation that also adds a vegetable element to the dish.
FAQs for Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for short-cut pasta like penne, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Can I substitute the andouille sausage with another type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute the andouille sausage with any type of sausage you like or have on hand. Just keep in mind that different sausages may alter the flavor profile of the dish slightly.
Is it necessary to use Cajun seasoning for this recipe?
While Cajun seasoning adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, you can adjust the amount or even omit it if you prefer a milder version. Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat level. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference to make the dish as mild or spicy as you like.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed making and savoring this delightful Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta as much as I have. It’s truly a dish that brings together the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine in a comforting and satisfying way. The way the creamy sauce clings to the perfectly cooked pasta and smoky sausage is simply irresistible.
Remember, don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds! Whether you prefer it a bit spicier, with added seafood, or want to experiment with different types of sausage, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is versatile and can easily accommodate your culinary creativity. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this flavorful pasta dish. Bon appétit!
Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Satisfying and flavorful Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – smoky and spicy, this dish brings Louisiana-style vibes to your table effortlessly.
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time30 Minutes
CuisineCajun
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings
Ingredients
Pasta & Base
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 (12 oz) package smoked andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
Sauce & Finishing
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley for serving
- 1¼ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta: 1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente following package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining, and do not rinse the pasta.
-
Cook sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sausage with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning until crispy on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate.
-
Sauté vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add onion, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until softened for about 3 minutes. Then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
-
Make the sauce: Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste in a saucepan and whisk until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to slightly thicken.
-
Combine and serve: Mix in Parmesan cheese, combine with cooked pasta and crispy sausage, tossing to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Serve right away with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley.
