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Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Sausage Pasta
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Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, spicy, and creamy one-pot dish combining smoky andouille sausage, tender penne pasta, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious Cajun-seasoned cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal perfectly balances heat, richness, and fresh herbs for a comforting dinner that’s family-friendly and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Seasonings

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream or 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Herbs & Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces, chop the bell peppers and onions, and mince the garlic. Bring a large pot of water to boil according to pasta package instructions.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook until browned. Then add onions, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Cajun Seasoning and Cream: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over the sausage and veggies, stirring to coat. Pour in heavy cream or stir in cream cheese, mixing continuously until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality andouille or spicy smoked sausage for best flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to keep a firm texture when coated with sauce.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level but don’t skimp for balanced flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
  • Fresh parsley or scallions brighten and freshen the dish; don’t skip these garnishes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun Sausage Pasta, spicy pasta, andouille sausage recipe, creamy Cajun pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot pasta

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cajun-sausage-pasta/