Print

Cajun Sausage Pasta

A flavorful and creamy dish inspired by Cajun cuisine, featuring smoky sausage and bold spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining!
  2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in the sliced sausage. Sauté it for about 4–5 minutes until it’s browned.
  3. Add Veggies: Once the sausage is perfectly browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 4–5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
  4. Introduce the Aromatics: Next up, add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the onion and sausage mixture. Stir it around for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, and stir everything together. Then, add in the cup of heavy cream and stir until combined.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Mix in the drained pasta and about half of the reserved water to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
  7. Cheese it Up: Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir until melted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ingredients for personal preferences. Also, you can prep the sauce ahead of time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun pasta, sausage pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot meal, Italian cuisine