Description
This Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe is a quick and comforting meal that combines spicy andouille sausage with a creamy, flavorful sauce and tender wide pasta noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers bold Cajun seasoning paired with creamy heavy cream and fresh vegetables for a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, spicy pasta without complicated steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Proteins
- 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced (substitute with smoked sausage if needed)
Pasta
- 12 ounces wide pasta noodles (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving one cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
- Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and crisp around the edges. Then add the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables, stirring well to evenly coat everything. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each noodle in the creamy, spicy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Cajun Sausage Pasta to plates or bowls. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use authentic Cajun seasoning for the best flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and help soak up the sauce.
- Brown the sausage well to develop crispy edges for contrast.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- Fresh minced garlic enhances the aroma and depth over powdered garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Spicy Sausage Pasta, One-Pot Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Weeknight Dinner
