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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This creamy Cajun sausage pasta blends smoky sausage, vibrant peppers, and a silky Cajun-spiced sauce for a flavorful, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American / Cajun
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Protein
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best
  • 12 –14 oz smoked sausage or andouille sliced
Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
Seasonings
  • 1 –1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika optional for extra smokiness
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter version
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 –2 tsp hot sauce optional
Finishing Touches
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Whisk (optional for smoothing the sauce)

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Brown the Sausage
  1. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned around the edges. Browning brings out smoky flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Sauté the Veggies
  1. Remove sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if needed and sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Build the Cajun Cream Sauce
  1. Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, coating the veggies. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add Parmesan and let the sauce simmer until thickened and creamy.
Bring It All Together
  1. Return sausage to the pan and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together, letting the pasta absorb the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, splash in pasta water.
Final Seasoning
  1. Taste and adjust with more Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired.
Serve Warm
  1. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for extra color and heat.