Description
Cajun Pasta with Sausage is a bold and flavorful dish featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, spiced Cajun sauce. This one-pan meal is quick, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something indulgent with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta, browned sausage, and reserved pasta water (as needed) to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired