Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you love a rich, spicy, and creamy pasta dish, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky andouille sausage, tender peppers, and a velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce tossed with pasta that’s just begging for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a go-to weeknight favorite — comfort food with a kick, and wonderfully simple to make!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe, the ingredients come together to create a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Each thing plays a part—from the smoky sausage to the creamy sauce and fresh veggies that bring a pop of sweetness and color.

• Short cut pasta: Penne or any similar shape works great here, and gluten-free options are perfect if you need them.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and bringing out those wonderful sausage flavors.
• Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish’s spice—feel free to use your favorite blend or try my homemade mix for extra depth.
• Smoked andouille sausage: Adds that smoky, spicy kick; you can slice it on a bias for prettier presentation and better texture.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
• Bell peppers: I like red and green for color contrast, but any color combo works.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch boosts heat; adjust to your spice tolerance.
• Garlic: Always a must for flavor—mince it finely so it melds into the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Brings savory richness and helps thin out the sauce perfectly.
• Heavy cream: Or full-fat coconut milk if you want a dairy-free version—creates that luscious texture.
• Tomato paste: Adds umami and a subtle tang to round out the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish, plus extra for serving.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish—it brightens up the plate and flavor.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is so forgiving and flexible. I’ve tried different twists depending on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving — and some of those experiments turned out to be big hits with my family!

• Protein Swap: I often swap out andouille for chicken sausage or even chorizo, which adds a slightly different smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Using coconut milk instead of heavy cream works wonderfully and keeps it creamy without dairy.
• Veggie Boost: I like to add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies—just sauté them along with the peppers and onions.
• Milder Version: If you want less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes — it’ll still be flavorful, just gentler on the spice front.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions—usually about 9-11 minutes. I always recommend cooking it al dente because the pasta will finish cooking when tossed in the sauce, so you don’t want it too soft. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water; it’s magic for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later. And don’t rinse the pasta—those starches help the sauce cling beautifully.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage with about 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and let it get nice and crispy on both sides — about 5 minutes total. I love when the edges caramelize because that adds incredible flavor to the whole dish. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate; you’ll add it back in later.

Step 3: Soften the Veggies and Build Flavor

Turn the heat down to medium, then toss the diced onion and bell peppers into the skillet with the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute, just until fragrant — don’t let it burn! This combo creates a lovely, savory base to the sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in Liquids and Simmer the Sauce

Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Whisk everything together until smooth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. This step thickens the sauce just right, making it silky without being too heavy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese, Pasta, and Sausage

Take the sauce off the heat and stir in your grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the drained pasta and crispy sausage back into the skillet and toss everything to coat in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water — this trick helps thin it perfectly while keeping that velvety coating.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra grated parmesan and fresh chopped parsley right before serving. The cheese adds another layer of savory goodness, while the parsley adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor that balances out the richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Crusty bread or garlic knots also soak up any leftover sauce—you’ll want to savor every bit!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle zing. It always feels a little fancier and gets great comments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta can absorb some sauce overnight, so just loosen it up when reheating with a splash of broth or cream.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta because the creamy sauce can separate after thawing, but if you want to, freeze before adding the cream and cheese. Then thaw, add the dairy, and warm gently on the stove for best results.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silkiness. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry it out a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I remember the first time I made it for my family—they couldn’t stop raving about the spicy, smoky flavor balanced perfectly by the creamy sauce. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but feels special enough to impress guests. If you’re craving comfort with a little flair, give this recipe a try—you’ll thank me later!

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