Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is rich, smoky, and spicy with bold flavors! Tender pasta, smoky sausage, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce come together for an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
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For the Pasta & Sausage:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water for later. -
Sauté the Sausage & Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir well. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. -
Combine & Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
- You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Swap the sausage for chicken or shrimp if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg