Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner 🌶️🍝🌭

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned around the edges.

Remove the sausage and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Add butter to the same skillet.

Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the Cajun Seasoning

Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.

Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ flavor.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

6. Combine the Pasta and Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet.

Add the cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until well coated.

If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Finish and Serve

Simmer everything together for 1–2 minutes.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Add red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Best Cajun Pasta

• Use smoked sausage or andouille for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Cajun seasoning can vary in salt and heat, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
• Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively; a gentle simmer keeps it smooth.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add shrimp or chicken for an extra-protein version.
• For more vegetables, add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Reserve pasta water—it helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use andouille sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Yes. Andouille is an excellent choice and gives the pasta a more traditional Cajun-style smoky and spicy flavor.

Q: Is Cajun sausage pasta spicy?
It can be. The heat depends on the sausage and Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes.

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce will be lighter and slightly less rich, but it will still be creamy.

Q: Can I add shrimp?
Absolutely. Season peeled shrimp with a little Cajun seasoning and cook them until pink and opaque before combining them with the pasta.

Q: What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, rotini, and bow-tie pasta all work well.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the pasta and sauce, refrigerate them in an airtight container, and reheat gently. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q: How do I reheat creamy pasta?
Reheat over low to medium heat with a splash of broth, milk, or cream to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the sausage, cheese, and other ingredients used.

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