Cajun Sausage Pasta is a hearty and zesty dish that brings a little spice to your dinner table! With smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tasty spices, it’s a flavor party in a bowl.
This meal is quick to make, perfect for busy days. I love how the sausage adds a nice kick, and the creamy sauce makes it all so comforting. Grab a fork and dig in! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, but you can swap in any pasta you like! Fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Cajun Smoked Sausage: If you don’t have Cajun sausage, any smoked sausage will do, like kielbasa. For a healthier choice, turkey or chicken sausage can be a good substitute.
Bell Pepper: I used green bell pepper, but red, yellow, or orange peppers can add a sweeter flavor. If you have leftovers, feel free to use those!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you’re looking for dairy-free options. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese will work well if you’re out of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is a great plant-based option too!
How Do I Get Creamy Sauce Without Clumping?
A smooth and creamy sauce is key to this dish! The trick is to keep the heat low after adding the cream. Here’s how to do it:
- Once the vegetables are sautéed, lower the heat before you add the heavy cream and cheese.
- Gradually stir the cream in, mixing constantly as it warms up. This helps prevent curdling or clumping.
- Add the cheese in small amounts, letting it melt completely before adding more.
Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to make sure your sauce is just right!
How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sausage:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and prepping ingredients, and another 20 minutes cooking everything together in the skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook Your Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen up the sauce later!
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned and a bit crispy on the edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set them aside while you cook the veggies.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper and onion. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. You want those lovely sweet flavors to come out!
4. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
5. Stir in the Saucy Goodness:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!). Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Your kitchen should smell fantastic right about now!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickens. You want to get that nice, luscious consistency.
7. Combine and Toss:
Add the cooked penne pasta and the browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together so that every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy Cajun sauce. If you need to, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Heat and Garnish:
Let everything cook together for an extra 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. Then, garnish your meal with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
Now you have a flavorful and creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Cajun smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, such as kielbasa or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage alternatives.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy extra heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes. Additionally, adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can amplify the spiciness even more!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s creaminess if needed.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and onion until they’re tender!
