I love meals that are quick, bold, and fill the whole house with good smells. Cajun Sausage Pasta is one of those dishes. It blends spicy Cajun seasoning, smoky sausage, and a creamy sauce with pasta. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and tastes like a warm hug with a little kick. Get ready to make a bowl that your family will ask for again and again.
How to prepare Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Cook 12 ounces of pasta in salted water until just tender, drain and save a cup of pasta water.
- Slice 1 pound smoked sausage into rounds. Heat a large pan, add a little oil, brown the sausage, then move to a plate.
- In the same pan, add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped bell pepper, cook until soft. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, stir for 30 seconds.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes with juice, and 1 cup of chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, then add the cooked sausage back to the pan. Let it warm through and thicken a little.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you like the texture.
- Taste and add salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if you want more spice. Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if you like.
Why You’ll Love Cajun Sausage Pasta
- It mixes spicy Cajun flavors with a creamy sauce, for a rich, tasty meal.
- Sausage gives a smoky, meaty bite that works well with pasta.
- You can make it fast on a weeknight, and it still feels special.
- It works as a one pot or nearly one pot meal, so cleanup is easy.
- You can change the heat level to suit your family, from mild to very spicy.
Tips for success
- Use good Cajun seasoning or make your own, it makes the main flavor.
- Brown the sausage well, browning adds depth and more flavor.
- Save some pasta water, it helps the sauce stick to the noodles.
- If you want creamier sauce, add a little more cream or a splash of milk.
- Taste as you go, adjust salt and spice to your liking.
- Cook the pasta al dente, it will finish cooking in the sauce and not get mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce.
- Offer crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh note.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for color and texture.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to cut the creaminess.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Yes, use less Cajun seasoning, or choose a mild sausage. You can also add more cream to lower the heat.
Q: Can I make it in one pot?
A: Yes, you can brown the sausage, sauté the veggies, add pasta, broth, and finish with cream in the same pan. Stir often so the pasta cooks evenly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickened.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of sausage?
A: Yes, cooked chicken works well, but you may want to add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Use a plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
If you want another version or a one pot take on this spicy, creamy dish, see this recipe for more ideas, One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Pass Me Some Tasty.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water until just tender, drain, and save a cup of pasta water.
- Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
- In a large pan, heat a little oil and brown the sausage, then move to a plate.
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook until soft.
- Add minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, stir for 30 seconds.
- Add diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, then add the cooked sausage back to the pan.
- Let it warm through and thicken a little.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If it's too thick, add reserved pasta water until the desired texture is reached.
- Taste and add salt, pepper or more Cajun seasoning for more spice.
- Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
