Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food packed with smoky, spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious creamy Cajun sauce. Bursting with bold flavors and ready in just about 30 minutes, this dish is a weeknight hero that feels like a hearty, restaurant-style indulgence. Every forkful delivers a perfect mix of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness.
What Makes This Dish Special?
The real star of this recipe is the creamy Cajun sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and sausage. It’s rich without being heavy, spicy without overwhelming the dish, and it clings to every bite for maximum flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Customize it by adding veggies, shrimp, or chicken to make it your own.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great)
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine Everything
Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a meatier dish.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- Spice Control: Use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 630
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream sauce potentially separating.
My Cooking Experience
Cajun Sausage Pasta has become one of my favorite fast meals to whip up when I’m craving something creamy and satisfying. The sausage brings that perfect smoky bite, and the Cajun spices keep it exciting without being overpowering. I love how easy it is to adjust the heat level depending on who I’m cooking for. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) are even better the next day.
Conclusion
Cajun Sausage Pasta is bold, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With smoky sausage, a rich creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun flavor, this dish hits all the right notes for a cozy dinner that feels special without any hassle. One taste and it’s sure to become a repeat favorite!
cajun sausage pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
