Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold and comforting dish that brings the perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors to your dinner table. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce with savory sausage slices, this recipe is both satisfying and effortless to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something rich and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick to prepare, bursting with robust flavors, and versatile enough to suit a variety of dietary preferences. The Cajun seasoning infuses the dish with a warm spice, while the cream balances it out to create a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The sausage adds a smoky, savory component that enhances the overall richness of the dish. Best of all, this is a one-pan meal with easy cleanup and restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta
• Smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Return the sausage to the pan along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Cajun Pasta: Substitute sausage with grilled or blackened chicken strips.
• Seafood Option: Use shrimp or crawfish tails instead of sausage.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a gooey texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk and warm over low heat until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best for this recipe?

Smoked sausage or andouille sausage provides the best flavor. Both offer a slightly spicy, smoky taste that complements the Cajun seasoning.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich. Consider thickening it with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Choose a mild blend for less heat, or add extra spices for a bolder kick.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free to make the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the cheese. The texture may vary, but the dish will still be flavorful.

What vegetables can I add?

Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are excellent additions for more nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can cook the components separately and combine them just before serving.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).

Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.

What type of pasta can I use instead of penne?

Fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini are great alternatives that hold sauce well.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a hearty, restaurant-worthy dinner right at home. This versatile dish can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance, protein preference, or dietary needs. It’s guaranteed to be a repeat favorite in your meal rotation.

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