This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a fantastic bowl of comfort! With spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and tender pasta, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
This dish is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra yum. Who can resist that creamy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds the creamy sauce really well. If you’re out of penne, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. They all work nicely, so choose what you have on hand!
Cajun Sausage: Andouille sausage gives the dish its signature flavor. However, if you don’t have it, try chorizo or Italian sausage with some added Cajun seasoning for that kick. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful tangy sweetness. If you can’t find them, roasted cherry tomatoes or even fresh diced tomatoes can work as a substitute. Just cook them a bit longer to soften.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even almond milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind the sauce might be thinner. I really enjoy how creamy the heavy cream makes the pasta!
How Do You Get the Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
A smooth, creamy sauce starts with careful cooking and ingredient choice. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned; this adds great depth to your sauce.
- When sautéing onions and garlic, don’t rush it! Take your time to release their flavors.
- After adding cream and broth, let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Lastly, be generous with the Parmesan cheese! It thickens the sauce and makes it rich.
With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy sauce that balances perfectly with spicy sausage. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (such as andouille), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Veggies and Seasoning:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. In that time, you’ll cook the pasta, brown the sausage, and whip up a creamy sauce. Great for a quick dinner that feels indulgent!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should still have a little bite to it!). Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, throw in the sliced Cajun sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned on both sides, which should take about 5-6 minutes. After it’s nicely browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and starts to soften. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so everything blends together and releases its rich flavors.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine the ingredients. It’ll start to smell amazing!
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste the sauce and season it with salt and black pepper as preferred.
7. Combine Everything:
Return the browned sausage back to the skillet, and then toss in the cooked penne pasta. Gently mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that luscious creamy sauce.
8. Final Touches:
Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up a bit.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat, and garnish your delicious pasta with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes as well.
10. Enjoy:
Serve the pasta warm and dig into your rich, spicy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. Trust me, everyone will love it!
FAQs for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is recommended for its perfect sauce-holding shape, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I Substitute the Cajun Sausage?
Yes! If you can’t find Cajun sausage, feel free to use chorizo, Italian sausage, or chicken sausage. To maintain that Cajun flavor, add some extra Cajun seasoning to your substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive that creamy sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Of course! If you love heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick!
