This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a fun and flavorful dish that brings a little spice to your table! With creamy sauce, zesty sausage, and pasta, it’s a quick meal that’s sure to please.
I love how the spicy sausage really makes this dish pop! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss it together and enjoy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is perfect for creamy sauces because its shape holds onto the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can use fusilli or rotini for a fun twist!
Cajun-style Smoked Sausage: I love using andouille sausage for its rich flavor, but any smoked sausage will do. For a healthier option, turkey sausage is a great substitute!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap it with half-and-half or unsweetened coconut milk.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a wonderful, savory touch. If you’re short on Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) works well too!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Sausage for Maximum Flavor?
Cooking the sausage properly makes all the difference in flavor! Start by slicing it into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Heat the skillet to medium-high, and let them brown without stirring for a few minutes. This creates a nice crispiness and deepens the flavor.
- Use enough oil to coat the pan; this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the sausage before adding the veggies to keep them crispy.
Following these steps ensures that your sausage contributes amazing flavor to the dish!
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sauce and Sausage:
- 1 lb Cajun-style smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 15 minutes preparing the flavorful sauce and mixing everything together. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
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. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it and set aside for later. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and let it cook until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. This will add a nice smoky flavor to your pasta.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté them until they become soft, which should take around 4 minutes. The remnants of the sausage will enhance the flavor of the vegetables, so don’t rush this step!
4. Add Seasonings:
Now, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the spices are well-mixed with the veggies.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. The creaminess is what makes this dish so delightful!
6. Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into the sauce, making it nice and smooth. This cheesy goodness will be the highlight of your pasta dish!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce and the sausage is evenly distributed. This is where your pasta really comes to life!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give it a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if desired. The flavors should be bold and exciting!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for that finishing touch. Serve it hot and enjoy your flavorful dinner!
This dish is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your belly. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Cajun-style smoked sausage gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with andouille sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Just be mindful that different sausages may alter the overall taste slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For extra heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste or add a dash of hot sauce when serving. You could also include sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an additional kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage in advance. Just keep them separate from the pasta until you’re ready to eat. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat everything and mix it together! This will preserve the pasta’s texture.