Go Back
To make creamy Cajun sausage pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat pasta instead of penne for a healthier option. - Turkey sausage works well in place of smoked sausage for a lighter dish. - Olive oil can be replaced with butter for a richer flavor. - Any color of bell pepper will work, so choose your favorite. - You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich. This pasta dish serves about 4 people. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving: - Calories: 620 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 40g - Fiber: 3g - Sodium: 900mg This creamy Cajun sausage pasta gives you a hearty meal filled with flavor. Enjoy the mix of spices and creamy sauce, which makes every bite delightful! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add a pinch of salt. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This pasta will soak up all the creamy sauce later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it turns golden brown. This step brings out its rich flavors. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. This keeps it juicy for later. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. You can use either red or green bell pepper, depending on what you like. Sauté these veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. Next, stir in a can of drained diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the spices to blend with the vegetables, creating a delicious base for your pasta. Start with the pasta. Cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Timing is key here. Drain it and set it aside while you cook the sausage and vegetables. This step keeps everything warm and ready to combine. Next, sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be nice and browned. Remove it before cooking the vegetables. This helps keep the sausage juicy. After sautéing the veggies, add the tomatoes and seasoning. Let them cook for 2 minutes. This short time lets the flavors mix well. Finally, add the cream and broth to create the sauce. Simmer for about 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes it creamy. To boost the flavors, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onions make a big difference. Consider adding a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy. Mixing different types of sausage can also create new tastes. Don’t forget the cheese! Monterey Jack melts beautifully. For a twist, try pepper jack for extra heat. Garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a bright color and fresh taste to your dish. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. If it’s too soft, it won’t hold up in the sauce. Always check the package for cooking times. Another mistake is not tasting the sauce. Always taste before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, don’t skip the sautéing step for the sausage and vegetables. This brings out their flavors. If you toss everything in raw, you miss out on that rich taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs when possible. They enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage. You can always add more spice later! Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to your creamy pasta dish. {{image_2}} You can change the sausage in this dish for different tastes. Try using Italian sausage for a mild flavor. If you want more heat, go for andouille sausage. Chicken sausage is a leaner option that still packs a punch. You can even use bratwurst for a unique twist. Each sausage brings new flavors, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. If you want a meat-free version, swap the sausage for mushrooms. Portobello or cremini mushrooms work well. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant adds great flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian. This way, you still enjoy creamy goodness without meat. Adjusting the flavor of this dish is easy! Want it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes. For a smoky taste, include smoked paprika. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra depth. If you prefer a tangy flavor, mix in some lemon juice or zest. These small tweaks can turn your creamy Cajun sausage pasta into a new favorite every time. To keep your creamy Cajun sausage pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature first. I prefer using glass containers for storage. They help keep the flavors intact. Place the pasta in the fridge for up to three days. This dish tastes great the next day, so don't worry if you have extras! You can freeze creamy Cajun sausage pasta if you want to save some for later. First, make sure it cools completely. Transfer the pasta to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air from the bags before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating creamy Cajun sausage pasta is easy. If it’s in the fridge, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If it's frozen, let it thaw overnight first. Then, you can reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss! Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices. It often includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. This mix gives dishes a bold and spicy kick. You can find it in the spice aisle of most stores. Adjust the amount to match your taste. If you want less heat, use less seasoning. Yes, you can! While penne works great, other pasta shapes are just as good. You could try fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Each shape holds the sauce in different ways. Choose what you have or what you like best. This recipe has a nice kick from the Cajun seasoning. It is not overly spicy but has heat. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the seasoning. You can also mix in some cream to tone it down. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. In this blog post, you learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare a delicious dish. We explored cooking methods, timing, and common mistakes to avoid. You also discovered tasty variations and storage tips for leftovers. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking journey, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with smoked sausage and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
  • Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
  • Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Add Cheese: Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. If needed, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and plate the creamy Cajun sausage pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and sprinkle additional cheese and parsley on top for an elegant touch.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, sausage