This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a cozy bowl of deliciousness! With spicy sausage, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that warms the heart and belly.
I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for those busy evenings! Just toss everything in one pan, and enjoy a tasty dinner while feeling like a chef. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the sauce really well. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle (bow tie pasta) for a fun twist!
Cajun Sausage: Spicy Cajun sausage adds a kick to this dish. You can swap it out for andouille sausage, chicken sausage, or even a veggie sausage if you want something lighter or vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: The cream makes the sauce rich and luscious. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can work, but the texture will be a bit different.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key for that signature flavor! If you don’t have it, make a quick mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Adjust to your taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting that creamy texture can sometimes be a challenge. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by cooking your sauce on medium heat; don’t rush it! Add the cream slowly and let it heat without boiling.
- Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth. If it separates, the heat might be too high.
- Add cheese when the sauce is off heat, which helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
- Don’t forget: season your sauce along the way for the best flavor!
By following these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy Cajun sausage pasta that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Sausage:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb spicy Cajun sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage to the pan and cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. This will add flavor to your dish!
4. Add Seasonings:
Next, add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and mixed well.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits left on the bottom of the pan. These bits add great flavor! Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
8. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your pasta dish and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and black pepper if needed. Make it just right for your taste buds!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious Cajun sausage pasta with chopped fresh parsley and some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Dig into this creamy, spicy, and comforting Cajun sausage pasta dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spicy Cajun sausage adds a nice kick, you can use andouille sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for a plant-based sausage that suits your taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
If you’re looking to tone down the heat, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and choose a milder sausage. You can also increase the amount of heavy cream to balance out the spices in the dish.
Can I Make This Pasta Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just cook it according to package directions, and the rest of the recipe remains the same!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.