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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
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This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold, comforting dish packed with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful, filling, and restaurant-worthy without the extra effort.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12–16 oz short-cut pasta (penne, rotini, or gluten-free if needed)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided

  • 1 (12 oz) package smoked andouille sausage, sliced on the bias

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)

  • Pinch red pepper flakes, to taste

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1¼ cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add the sliced sausage and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, until browned and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

  • Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add onion, bell peppers, remaining Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes, until softened.

  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

  • Whisk in chicken broth, cream, and tomato paste until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened.

  • Stir in Parmesan cheese.

  • Add cooked pasta and sausage, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

  • Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Control the spice: Use less Cajun seasoning or skip red pepper flakes for a milder dish.

  • Sauce consistency: Pasta water helps the sauce cling better—add gradually.

  • Sausage swaps: Kielbasa, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or chorizo all work well.

  • Cream alternative: Full-fat coconut milk makes this dairy-free with a slightly sweeter note.

  • Extra richness: Finish with a small knob of butter stirred into the sauce.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta/