Cajun Sausage Pasta
Who doesn’t like a tasty dinner that doesn’t take long to make?
Cajun Sausage Pasta is a great one-pot meal for busy weeknights or family dinners that aren’t too formal.
This dish will be a hit because it has smoky sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
And it only takes 30 minutes to make!This recipe is for you if you want strong flavors and little cleanup.
Let’s get into the magic of Cajun food!
Why You’ll Love Cajun Sausage Pasta
You can make Cajun Sausage Pasta in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick, tasty, and filling one-pot meal. With smoky sausage, strong Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is great for weeknights or when you have guests over.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite because you can change it to fit your tastes and it goes well with a lot of different sides.
- 10 minutes to be ready
- Time to cook: 20 minutes
- Total Time30minutes mins
- Servings4 Servings
- Calories550 kcal
Key Ingredients
Here are the most important parts:
- For this recipe, andouille or kielbasa are both great choices for smoked sausage.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any other strong pasta that can hold sauce well.
- Cajun seasoning: You can buy it or make it yourself to have full control over how spicy it is.
- Bell peppers, onions, and spinach are vegetables that add flavor and nutrition.
- Heavy cream and cheese make a thick, creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: adds flavor and helps cook the pasta in one pot.
You can add shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist or mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Get your ingredients ready:
- Cut the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
- Cut up the onions and bell peppers.
- Get the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and cheese ready.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces smoked sausage Andouille or kielbasa
- 4 ounces pasta penne or rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers mixed colors
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
- 1 cup fresh spinach optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds.
- Chop bell peppers and onions.
- Measure out Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and cheese.
2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and sauté the sausage until browned.
- Remove the sausage and cook the bell peppers and onions in the same pot.
3. Create the Base:
- Add Cajun seasoning to the veggies
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta directly to the pot and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted.
- Return the sausage to the pot and mix well.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Top with parsley, grated Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Change the Spice Level: If you can’t handle the heat, add more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Healthier Choices: Use whole-grain pasta instead of regular pasta, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables, like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Extra Protein: For a more filling meal, add shrimp or grilled chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish goes well with simple drinks and sides:
- Garlic bread is great for soaking up the creamy sauce. Click here for a recipe.
- Side Salad: A crunchy green salad with a tangy dressing balances out the heaviness of the pasta. Here are our salad recipes.
- Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy additions to roasted vegetables.
- Drinks: Sweet tea, white wine, or a cold beer are all great options.
- For dessert, have something light like lemon sorbet or fresh fruit. Here are some more dessert ideas.
FAQ
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Keep it in the fridge in a container that won’t let air in for up to three days. To keep the sauce from getting too thick, heat it up on the stove with a little cream or broth.
Is it okay to use a different kind of pasta?
Of course! Short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even shells will work.
How should you keep leftovers?
Put leftovers in the fridge and heat them up slowly on the stove or in the microwave. To keep the sauce creamy, don’t let it get too hot.