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To make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you will need the following ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds a special touch. The penne pasta gives a firm bite, while smoked sausage adds rich flavor. Olive oil helps cook the sausage and veggies, making them tasty. Onion and garlic bring a sweet aroma. Bell pepper adds color and crunch. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a creamy sauce. Cajun seasoning and paprika add warmth and spice. Salt and pepper balance flavors. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, and parsley brightens up the dish. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun. Enjoy making this dish with fresh items for the best taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to boil salted water in a large pot. Salt helps the pasta taste better. Once the water boils, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage. Cook the sausage until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet. Set it aside for later. In the same skillet, you will now add the veggies. Start with 1 medium chopped onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Sauté these until they are soft. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Let the flavors mix! Now, it's time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well to combine them. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a rich and tasty sauce. Once the sauce is ready, add the browned sausage back into the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes. After that, add the drained pasta and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy. Before serving, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to thicken. This will make your creamy Cajun sausage pasta even better! - Ideal sausage types: I recommend using smoked sausage for a rich flavor. Kielbasa or andouille sausage works great too. They add a nice kick to the dish. - How to achieve creaminess: To get that perfect creamy texture, use heavy cream. It blends well with the other ingredients. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Let it simmer to thicken nicely. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the pasta in deep bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan and fresh, chopped parsley. This adds color and makes the dish pop. - Pairing with side dishes or salads: A simple green salad pairs well. A side of garlic bread also works great. These sides complement the flavors and add a nice touch to your meal. - Overcooking pasta: Don’t forget to check the cooking time. Overcooked pasta can be mushy. You want it al dente for the best texture. - Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed. More salt or Cajun spice can really enhance the flavors. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce. Cheese Choice: While Parmesan cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want a lighter option, try chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and sauté it like the sausage. Shrimp is another great choice. Just add the shrimp when you cook the veggies; they cook fast and taste amazing. For a vegetarian version, skip meat altogether. You can use mushrooms or even a mix of your favorite veggies. They add flavor and texture. Cajun seasoning can be mild or spicy. If you prefer a milder taste, just use less seasoning. Start with half a tablespoon, then taste it. You can always add more. If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños or another hot pepper. Hot sauce is also a great way to kick up the spice. Just drizzle some on top before serving. If you want a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream. It will still taste great but with fewer calories. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. If you want to keep it simple, stick with bell peppers and onions. Remove any ingredients you don't love, and make it your own! To store leftovers of Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in airtight containers. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. Glass containers work well because they do not stain. They also help you see what’s inside. If you use plastic, ensure it is BPA-free. For reheating, the best method is on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while heating. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. Yes, you can freeze Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before. For reheating, follow the stovetop method, adding a bit of liquid for creaminess. Making Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta takes about 30 minutes in total. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking. This quick recipe fits easily into busy weeknights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove for the best results. I love serving this pasta with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Absolutely! You can add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. You might also include sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for more heat. Sure! You can swap penne for any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well with this creamy sauce. To make this dish healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or low-fat cream. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. In this post, we covered how to make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. I shared the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for success. You learned about variations to suit your tastes and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor. You can swap ingredients or adjust the spice level. Remember to check your seasonings and enjoy every bite. With these steps, you will impress your family and friends with this tasty meal!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with smoked sausage and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Mix in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Then, stir in the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well coated and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to thicken.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, sausage