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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 15 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with spicy smoked andouille sausage, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive meal with a kick of Cajun seasoning and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne) (gluten-free if needed)

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 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 (any color, diced; I used red and green)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce

  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Fresh parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. When done, reserve one cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta, but do not rinse it to maintain starchiness that helps the sauce adhere.
  2. Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked andouille sausage along with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook until the sausage crisps on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a clean plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers, sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Sauce: Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine and Serve: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Add the cooked pasta and crispy sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Use up to 1 cup of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Serve immediately topped with additional parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • Reserved pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency, adding creaminess and helping it cling to pasta.
  • Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for best heat distribution.

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