This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick, creamy, and spicy meal that you can make on a weeknight. It mixes sliced Cajun sausage, vegetables, cream, and cheese with pasta for a rich and bold dish. If you like creamy pasta dishes, try this Caesar pasta salad for another simple pasta idea.
Why make this recipe
You should make this recipe because it is fast, full of flavor, and uses few ingredients. It warms up well and feeds a family or makes good leftovers. The Cajun spice gives a nice kick without a lot of work.
How to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta until it is just firm. Brown the sliced sausage in a hot skillet. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook until soft. Stir in Cajun seasoning so the spice coats the meat and veg. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, then add the cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Mix the drained pasta into the sauce and taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot with parsley on top.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in the cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to serve Cajun Sausage Pasta
Serve this pasta hot on its own or with a light side. A green salad or crusty bread works well to balance the cream. For a fuller meal, you can serve it with a small bowl of soup like Cajun okra soup.
How to store Cajun Sausage Pasta
Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between times.
Tips to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Use pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or fettuccine.
- Brown the sausage well for extra flavor.
- Taste before adding salt; the sausage and cheese can be salty.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water or milk to loosen it.
- For less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage.
Variation
- Swap the sausage for cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for more veg.
- Use half-and-half or milk with a little flour if you want a lighter sauce.
- Add a spoonful of tomato paste for a tangy twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen sausage?
A: Yes. Thaw it first or slice and cook longer until fully heated.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream and a vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild sausage.
Q: Can I freeze the pasta?
A: Freezing cream-based pasta can change texture. It is best to refrigerate and eat within 3 days.
Q: Can I use another cheese?
A: Yes. Parmesan or a mild cheddar work fine.
Conclusion
If you want a one-pot take on this idea, you can read a different method at One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Pass Me Some Tasty for a simple alternative. For another creamy sausage pasta version and ideas, see Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – The Cookin Chicks.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Sausage and Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in the cheese until melted and creamy.
Combining
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.