I have to tell you, this Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. The moment I sliced into the sausage and tossed it with that creamy, spicy sauce, I knew I had a winner. I love how simple it is to make, yet packed with bold flavors that feel restaurant-worthy.
Every bite has that perfect mix of heat and creaminess, making it irresistible. Honestly, once you try it, this recipe will likely become a staple in your home too. You can also enjoy similar flavors in Onion Gravy Smothered Steak Recipe for a hearty dinner alternative.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Cajun sausage pasta. I’ve included pro tips to help your dish turn out perfectly. If you love cheesy and rich dishes, you might also enjoy Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Recipe as another creamy protein option.
- 12 ounces penne pasta – I always use dry pasta for better texture; fresh pasta tends to get too soft.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced – Andouille sausage works best for authentic Cajun flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps brown the sausage and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced – Fresh onions provide a sweeter, more vibrant flavor than pre-chopped.
- 1 bell pepper, diced – I prefer red or yellow for color and mild sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a punch that garlic powder can’t match.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Brings smoky warmth without extra heat.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – Choose a blend without fillers for a cleaner taste.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and silky; don’t use evaporated milk as it won’t thicken properly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts better and gives a sharper flavor.
- ¼ cup chicken broth – Adds moisture without diluting the spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Optional, for garnish and a pop of color.
Note: Serves 4-6
Variations
You can easily customize this Cajun sausage pasta to fit different diets or flavor preferences.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Extra heat: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to intensify the spice.
- Veggie-packed: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Protein swap: Chicken, shrimp, or even turkey sausage works if you prefer a leaner option.
Cooking Time
This is a quick meal perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
A few simple tools make this dish easy to prepare:
- Large pot – For boiling pasta.
- Large skillet – For cooking sausage and making the sauce.
- Knife and cutting board – To chop veggies and sausage.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the sauce without scratching the pan.
How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
I start by boiling salted water and cooking the penne pasta until al dente. This ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sliced sausage. Cooking it until lightly crisp adds extra flavor to the dish. I then remove it from the skillet and set it aside to make room for the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, I add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the same skillet. Sautéing them in the sausage drippings creates a rich base. I cook until they soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
I sprinkle in smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for a few seconds. Then I pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stirring in Parmesan cheese at the end makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Finally, I return the sausage to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Tossing everything together ensures every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. I adjust salt and pepper to taste, then finish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are a few tricks I discovered while perfecting this dish:
- I always use freshly grated Parmesan – it melts better and adds a sharper flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes; it thickens beautifully and coats the pasta perfectly.
- Taste the sauce before adding pasta; sometimes it needs a pinch more seasoning.
- I prefer using Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor—it makes a huge difference.
How to Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?
Serving this pasta right makes it even more enjoyable. I like to plate it in shallow bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. Garnishing with chopped parsley adds a fresh green pop. Pairing it with crusty bread or a simple side salad completes the meal perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
This gives a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats while keeping the flavors indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating: I let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is full of flavor and easy to make. Here’s why I adore it:
- Easy Weeknight Meal: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
- Bold Flavor: Creamy, spicy, and smoky all in one bite.
- Customizable: You can swap proteins, veggies, or dairy with ease.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy pasta sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for quick dinners.
Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I start by boiling salted water and cooking the penne pasta until al dente. This ensures the pasta is firm enough to hold the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sliced sausage. Cooking it until lightly crisp adds extra flavor to the dish. I then remove it from the skillet and set it aside to make room for the veggies.
- Next, I add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the same skillet. Sautéing them in the sausage drippings creates a rich base. I cook until they soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- I sprinkle in smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for a few seconds. Then I pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stirring in Parmesan cheese at the end makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Finally, I return the sausage to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Tossing everything together ensures every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. I adjust salt and pepper to taste, then finish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Notes
- I always use freshly grated Parmesan – it melts better and adds a sharper flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes; it thickens beautifully and coats the pasta perfectly.
- Taste the sauce before adding pasta; sometimes it needs a pinch more seasoning.
- I prefer using Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor—it makes a huge difference.
