This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a comforting dish that brings bold flavors to your dinner table. With spicy sausage and a rich sauce, it’s sure to please everyone!
You’ll love how quick and easy this meal is! Just cook the sausage, toss in some pasta, and let the cream work its magic. Plus, it’s hard to resist that creamy goodness! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds the sauce well, but you can swap it with any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist. Gluten-free penne works great too!
Cajun-style Smoked Sausage: For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use a plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative can be used. Just keep an eye on the thickness.
Peppers & Onion: Use any colorful bell peppers you enjoy! If you’re out, celery and carrots can add a nice crunch. You can also add spinach or kale for extra greens.
How Do You Get the Sauce to Be Just Right?
Creating a creamy sauce that’s full of flavor is all about balance. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat when cooking the sausage to get a nice crisp without burning. Remove it early to prevent overcooking.
- Add the vegetables and seasonings gradually; this allows those strong flavors to meld without getting overpowering.
- When adding the cream, let the mixture simmer gently to heat through and combine flavors without boiling. This helps prevent curdling.
- Stir in cheese gradually while keeping the heat low; this avoids clumps and ensures a smooth texture.
Follow these tips, and your creamy Cajun sausage pasta will be deliciously satisfying! Enjoy making it your own!
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sausage:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun-style smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Vegetables:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Cajun sausage pasta can be prepared in about 30 minutes! You’ll have about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (or firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s nice and browned on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside; we’ll add it back later.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Now, in the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté everything until the vegetables are softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the veggies and stir well to coat them.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring the mixture as it comes to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—let the sauce come together!
6. Add Cheese and Season:
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Give it a taste, and feel free to adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking!
7. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to bring everything back together! Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta with that creamy, flavorful sauce.
8. Heat and Serve:
Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld. When it’s ready, serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your delicious creamy Cajun sausage pasta, packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness! It’s bound to be a favorite!
FAQ for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as bow tie, fusilli, or even linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this creamy pasta dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by combining equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Adjust the amounts based on your spice preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
