Description

This flavorful Cajun Pasta with Sausage is a creamy, spicy dish that brings bold, smoky flavors together in one pot. The rich sauce perfectly coats the pasta, while the sausage adds savory depth and a touch of heat. It's a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb sausage (Italian sausage or Cajun sausage)
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Cook the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked.
Sauté the veggies: Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and oregano. Then add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce.

Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely.

Make it ahead: This pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 50mg