This Cajun sausage pasta is a fun and spicy dish full of flavor! With easy-to-cook sausage, creamy sauce, and perfect pasta, it’s a meal that warms your heart and tummy.
I love how all the spices come together to make every bite exciting. It’s quick to whip up, and you’ll have dinner ready before you know it—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe uses penne for its lovely shape, which holds onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti!
Cajun Smoked Sausage: I recommend using andouille sausage for an authentic flavor. If you’re looking for something lighter, turkey or chicken sausage works great too. For a meat-free option, try using a plant-based sausage.
Bell Peppers: Red, green, and yellow peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to swap with other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if peppers aren’t your thing!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have store-bought Cajun seasoning, you can mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder to create your own blend!
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for great flavor. Here’s what to do:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Lay the sausage slices in the skillet and let them cook without moving them too much for about 4-5 minutes until they’re browned.
- Flip them to brown the other side.
- Remove from the skillet once they’re nicely colored and set aside. This caramelization adds depth to the dish!
Remember, cooking them properly not only improves the flavor but also enhances the texture of the dish.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sausage and Veggies:
- 1 lb Cajun smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cajun sausage pasta can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty dish perfect for any night of the week!
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 and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun smoked sausage to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s brown on both sides. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the diced onions, red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they start to soften. We want them to become tender and fragrant!
4. Add Spices and Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until everything smells amazing.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens up a bit. This is where all the delicious flavors come together!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta and gently toss it all together until the pasta is well coated in that creamy Cajun sauce.
7. Season and Heat Through:
Finally, season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through nicely.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprigs of thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, creamy Cajun sausage pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to amp up the heat, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes when adding the Cajun seasoning. You can also use spicier sausage varieties for an extra kick!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Dish?
Definitely! You can swap the sausage for a meat substitute like tempeh or a plant-based sausage. Increase the quantity of vegetables for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
