This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a tasty delight! With spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, smooth sauce, it’s a comforting meal that brings a little heat to your plate.
I love making this dish because it’s quick, easy, and makes my kitchen smell amazing. Plus, you can always add extra veggies if you’re feeling fancy or want to clean out the fridge! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini, but fusilli works great too! For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa.
Sausage: Cajun sausage adds fantastic flavor. If you prefer turkey or chicken sausage, that’s a lighter alternative. Veggie sausage can also work for a meatless option.
Bell Peppers: I like using both green and red for color and sweetness. Yellow or orange peppers are yummy substitutes if you have them on hand.
Cajun Seasoning: This is key for flavor! If you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and thyme will do the trick. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk can also work, but they may change the taste slightly.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Tender Pasta?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but achieving that perfect texture requires a few tips. Always start with a large pot of salted boiling water. Here’s how:
- Add salt: Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4-6 quarts of water. It flavors the pasta beautifully.
- Stir: Give the pasta a good stir after adding it to the water. This prevents sticking.
- Check the time: Cook until al dente, which means it’ll be firm to the bite. It’s better to start tasting a minute or two before the package says.
- Reserve some pasta water: Save a cup of the cooking water before draining. It can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later!
With these tips, your pasta will turn out just right for the creamy sauce!
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb Cajun seasoned sausage, sliced into rounds (such as Andouille or smoked sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 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)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 20 minutes preparing the flavorful sauce and assembling the dish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside. Remember to save a bit of pasta water just in case you need to adjust your sauce later!
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes until they soften up. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sautéed veggies and give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
5. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes, which enhances the flavors. Don’t rush this step—it builds a great base!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Watch it closely so it doesn’t boil over!
7. Incorporate Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir it in until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well, coating it in the delicious sauce.
9. Toss with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until it’s evenly combined and heated through. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
10. Serve and Garnish:
Dish the pasta onto plates while it’s hot, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkled fresh parsley. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite of your Cajun sausage pasta!
Delicious and comforting, this meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table! 🍝
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Cajun sausage like Andouille adds great flavor, you can substitute it with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the sausage type used.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make this creamy pasta dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without the dairy. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, if necessary.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! This pasta is a great place to sneak in more veggies. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just sauté them alongside the onions and bell peppers to ensure they cook through.
