Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (Print Format)
Smoky sausage, bold Cajun spice, and peppers in a creamy, comforting pasta—quick to prepare, full of zesty southern flavor.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta Base
01 -
12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
→ Sauce and Seasoning
02 -
2 Tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 Tablespoon cajun seasoning, divided
04 -
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
05 -
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
06 -
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
07 -
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
08 -
Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste
→ Proteins and Vegetables
09 -
1 (12 oz) package smoked andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
10 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
11 -
2 bell peppers, any color, diced
12 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
Fresh parsley, for serving
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. When it's done, remove a cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
02 -
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until crispy on both sides. Transfer to a clean plate or bowl.
03 -
Lower the heat to medium. Add the onion, pepper, remaining teaspoon of cajun seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 -
Whisk the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
05 -
Stir in the parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and crispy sausage to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water, if needed, to adjust the sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with more parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
# Tips:
01 -
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes used.
02 -
This dish can be made gluten-free by selecting an appropriate pasta.