Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a comforting and boldly flavored dish that brings together smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich cream sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe delivers that delicious Southern flair with a spicy, creamy sauce that clings to every bite, making it feel indulgent yet easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• Smoked Andouille sausage: adds authentic smoky Cajun flavor, choose quality sausage with good spice balance
• Fettuccine or penne pasta: sturdy enough to hold the rich sauce, opt for pasta made from durum wheat for better texture
• Olive oil: for browning the sausage and sautéing veggies, extra virgin gives good flavor but regular olive oil works well
• Garlic: minced for a fragrant punch that builds the base of the sauce
• Onion: diced small to soften and add sweetness to balance the spice
• Red bell pepper: sliced for color and subtle sweetness; fresh and firm peppers will taste best
• Heavy cream: the key to richness and creaminess in the sauce, look for full fat for best results
• Chicken broth: adds savory depth without overpowering the other flavors
• Cajun seasoning: the star spice blend offering heat and aroma; start with less and add more to taste
• Parmesan cheese: grated for a salty, nutty finish that enriches the sauce
• Salt and pepper: to season perfectly and bring out flavor
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: for a fresh garnish that brightens the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Cook your pasta in generously salted boiling water until just al dente according to package directions. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help loosen the sauce if needed later. Set pasta aside.

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for four to five minutes until golden and slightly crisp on the edges. This step builds deep flavor in the dish. Remove the sausage from the pan and keep it warm.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add garlic, diced onion, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for three to four minutes until they soften and release their aromas. This creates a flavorful base to the sauce.

Deglaze the Pan:

Pour in chicken broth to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits add extra savory notes to the sauce.

Build the Cream Sauce:

Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly but does not boil.

Add Cheese and Sausage Back:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the browned sausage to the sauce and let it simmer for another two minutes so the flavors meld.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, coating the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Seasoning:

Taste and season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if you prefer more heat. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice at this point adds brightness and balances the richness.

Serve Garnished:

Serve the pasta hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese along with lemon wedges for squeezing on top.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How spicy is this pasta?

It offers a medium heat level that can be tailored by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning used, allowing you to spice it up or tone it down.

→ What sausage works best here?

Andouille sausage provides authentic smokiness, but you can also use kielbasa, chicken, or plant-based sausage depending on your preference.

→ Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, milk will result in a thinner sauce. For a thicker texture, a cornstarch slurry can be added to achieve the desired consistency.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the sauce gently without boiling, and add reserved pasta water to loosen as needed for a smooth finish.

→ What pasta types can I substitute?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great alternatives to fettuccine, maintaining a satisfying bite and sauce cling.