Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a comforting, boldly flavored dish that combines smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce infused with Cajun spices. Popular in Southern kitchens and weeknight rotations, this dish balances creamy indulgence with a kick of heat, providing a hearty, soul-warming dinner in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, deeply flavorful, and customizable for different heat levels. The smoked sausage pairs perfectly with a silky Cajun cream sauce that clings to each piece of pasta, delivering warmth and richness without requiring a complicated process. It’s a true one-pot comfort meal that tastes like restaurant-quality Cajun pasta without the price tag.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use Andouille sausage for authentic smoky flavor, or kielbasa for a milder option.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
  • Brown the sausage well to build flavor before adding garlic or onions.
  • Add Cajun seasoning gradually to control heat levels.
  • Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Substitute penne, rigatoni, or rotini if you don’t have fettuccine.
  • Use chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage instead of pork sausage.
  • Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
  • To make it gluten-free, use your preferred GF pasta.
  • For dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the cheese, adding nutritional yeast if desired.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a salty finish. Pair it with a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or warm garlic bread for sopping up the creamy sauce. It also pairs well with a cold beer or a chilled glass of Chardonnay to complement the spice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
  • For microwave reheating, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, to prevent drying out.
  • Avoid freezing as the cream sauce can separate, but it is still possible if necessary.

Recipe FAQs

How spicy is this pasta?
It has a medium heat level; reduce Cajun seasoning for less spice or add cayenne for more.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a cornstarch slurry if you want to thicken it.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine when ready to serve for best texture.

What sausage is best for Cajun pasta?
Andouille or smoked sausage is traditional, but kielbasa or chicken sausage work too.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a spicy, comforting one-pot dinner with smoky sausage and rich cream sauce, ready in under 40 minutes for a bold, easy meal.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz smoked Andouille sausage, sliced
  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics by adding garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the same skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for flavor.
  5. Add cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and the cooked sausage, simmering for another 2 minutes.
  7. Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Taste and season with salt and pepper, adjusting Cajun seasoning for desired heat.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Pre-slice sausage and vegetables to save time during cooking.
  • For extra creaminess, add 2 oz cream cheese when adding the cream.
  • If using shrimp, add during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
  • Use a large skillet to ensure even sauce coating on the pasta.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to avoid separating the cream.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 918Total Fat: 75gSaturated Fat: 38gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 198mgSodium: 2905mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 23g
    © Chasety.com
    Cuisine: Southern / Category: Dinner

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