This Cajun sausage pasta is a comforting dish packed with flavor! The spicy sausage combined with creamy sauce and colorful veggies makes it super tasty and satisfying.
I love how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, the leftovers are great for lunch. Who doesn’t love a meal that keeps giving? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish shines with penne due to its tubular shape, which holds the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, any pasta like fusilli or rotini can work just as nicely. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option!
Cajun-Style Smoked Sausage: Look for a good quality sausage to enhance the flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, try a plant-based sausage or just add more veggies.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. You can swap these with other veggies like zucchini or spinach for a different flavor. I often add a handful of baby spinach at the end for a pop of green!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, you can substitute with half-and-half. For dairy-free, coconut cream works but will change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get the Sausage Browned Just Right?
Browning the sausage adds tons of flavor to your dish. Here’s how you do it:
- Use medium-high heat in your skillet to get that nice sizzle.
- Don’t overcrowd the sausage in the pan; give them space to brown properly.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, and don’t skip that step! The caramelization adds a depth of flavor.
What’s the Secret to a Creamy Sauce?
A creamy sauce is all about temperature and timing:
- After adding the heavy cream, keep the heat at medium. Too high can curdle it.
- Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so it thickens. Keep stirring so it’s smooth.
- Stir in cheese off the heat for a creamy finish. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it!
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy and flavorful Cajun sausage pasta that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sausage and Vegetables:
- 1 lb Cajun-style smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun sausage pasta takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage to the pan and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies until they’re softened, about 5-6 minutes. The kitchen should start smelling amazing!
4. Add Flavor with Spices:
Now it’s time to pack in the flavor! Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Make It Creamy:
Next, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Let the cream heat through, stirring occasionally, until it starts to slightly thicken, about 3-4 minutes. This will create that luscious sauce we all love!
6. Stir in Cheese:
Once the sauce is creamy and heated, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Combine It All:
Now, return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Then, add in the drained penne pasta, gently mixing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your Cajun sausage pasta with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and dig in!
Enjoy your delicious Cajun sausage pasta, bursting with flavor and comforting goodness! 🍝
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great in this recipe, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra crushed red pepper flakes. For an even spicier kick, consider tossing in some diced jalapeños along with the veggies!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time! Cook the pasta and sausage, sauté the veggies, and combine them in the sauce. Store in separate containers, and when ready to eat, just reheat everything together in a skillet.
