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Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines spicy andouille sausage with tender penne pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers bold Cajun seasoning balanced with fresh vegetables and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, making it a perfect family-friendly comfort meal with a spicy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir the Cajun seasoning into the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss thoroughly to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs as desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the sausage; browning it just right adds great texture and flavor.
  • Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to the pasta better.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually by starting with less Cajun seasoning and increasing to taste.
  • Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or green onions on top for added freshness.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure firmness when combined with creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun Sausage Pasta, spicy pasta, andouille sausage recipe, creamy Cajun pasta, quick pasta dinner, weeknight meal, Cajun seasoning