Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers bold, Southern-inspired flavors in a convenient one-pot meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. The dish starts with smoky sausage browned to perfection, creating a flavorful base for the aromatics and spices that follow. What makes this pasta special is its layered approach to building flavor - the vegetables are sautéed in the sausage drippings, then coated in Cajun spices before being transformed into a luscious sauce with chicken broth and cream. The pasta then gets a chance to simmer directly in this flavorful mixture, absorbing all the savory goodness. The addition of cheese creates a silky, rich texture that perfectly balances the spicy Cajun elements. With options to customize the spice level and add-ins like shrimp or mushrooms, this versatile recipe can easily become a new weeknight favorite that satisfies comfort food cravings while still being impressive enough for casual entertaining.
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Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:17:47 GMT
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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines bold Cajun spices with smoky sausage and a luxurious cream sauce to create an unforgettable one-pan meal. This indulgent pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety, spice-infused sauce and studded with perfectly browned sausage and colorful vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something deeply satisfying.

After making this for a dinner party, my friend who rarely cooks asked for the recipe, saying it was "the kind of dish that makes people think you actually know what you're doing in the kitchen."

Essential Elements

  • Smoked sausage: Andouille provides authentic Cajun flavor
  • Cajun seasoning: Creates the signature spice profile
  • Heavy cream: Transforms the sauce into silky perfection
  • Bell peppers: Add sweetness and vibrant color
  • Fresh onion: Forms aromatic flavor base
  • Quality cheese: Parmesan adds depth and richness
  • Al dente pasta: Maintains texture in the creamy sauce
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Creating Perfect Pasta

Sausage Technique:
Brown sausage thoroughly to develop deep flavor. This forms the foundation of the entire dish.
Vegetable Preparation:
Sauté aromatics in the sausage drippings. Build layers of flavor with each addition.
Sauce Building:
Create roux with flour for proper thickening. Gradually incorporate liquids for silky texture.
Final Integration:
Allow pasta to finish cooking in the sauce. This crucial step infuses every bite with flavor.

My grandmother always said, "A good sauce should coat the back of a spoon." This creamy Cajun sauce does that perfectly while delivering irresistible spicy flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for freshness. Garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for capturing every drop of the delicious sauce. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, add a side of collard greens.

Creative Variations

Experiment with adding shrimp for a classic surf and turf combination. Try incorporating mushrooms for earthy depth, or stir in fresh spinach for color and nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

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Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture. For meal prep, prepare components separately and combine just before serving.

After perfecting this recipe through countless dinner parties and weeknight meals, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper browning of the sausage, the gradual building of the sauce, and the patience to let the pasta finish cooking in that flavorful mixture. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta delivers comfort and satisfaction in every forkful.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust to your preference. For a milder version, start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni work well because their tubular shape captures the sauce, you can substitute with farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times according to the package directions for al dente pasta.
→ What's the best sausage to use?
Authentic Andouille sausage provides the most traditional Cajun flavor, but smoked kielbasa or any smoked sausage works great. For a lighter option, try smoked turkey or chicken sausage. The key is using a pre-cooked, smoked variety for the best flavor.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative (or omit the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor). The dish will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
→ How do I incorporate the optional shrimp?
If adding shrimp, sauté them separately in a bit of olive oil and Cajun seasoning until just pink (about 2 minutes per side). Add them to the dish at the same time you return the sausage to the skillet to avoid overcooking.

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A quick and satisfying one-pot pasta featuring smoky sausage, colorful vegetables, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Pasta

01 12 oz penne or rigatoni
02 4 cups water (for boiling)
03 Salt (for pasta water)

→ For the Sausage and Vegetables

04 12 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
05 1 tbsp olive oil
06 1 small onion, diced
07 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
08 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
09 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
10 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

→ For the Creamy Sauce

11 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
12 1 cup heavy cream
13 1 cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese
14 1/2 tsp black pepper
15 Salt to taste

→ Optional Add-ins

16 1/2 lb shrimp (for a surf-and-turf twist)
17 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (for earthy depth)

Instructions

Step 01

Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in Cajun seasoning and flour, coating the vegetables evenly.

Step 04

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Step 05

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to coat with the broth mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavor.

Step 06

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Add the black pepper and adjust salt as needed.

Step 07

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well. If using spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for about 1 minute.

Step 08

Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes for added heat.

Notes

  1. Adjust the Cajun seasoning for your preferred spice level
  2. For extra smokiness, use fire-roasted bell peppers
  3. Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat
  • Shellfish (if using optional shrimp)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 620
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 24 g