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Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Sausage Pasta
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Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold and creamy dish featuring smoky andouille sausage, a spicy Cajun-seasoned sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and versatile one-pan meal packed with rich flavors, vibrant veggies, and a creamy Parmesan finish—perfect for both weeknights and cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Protein

  • 8 oz Andouille Sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the sausage until it is browned and fragrant. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the sausage and vegetables are cooking, boil 12 oz of your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about one cup of the pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Build the Sauce: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth followed by 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Then stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and sausage mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Plate the Cajun Sausage Pasta immediately and serve while hot.

Notes

  • Use high-quality andouille sausage or any spicy smoked sausage for authentic flavor.
  • Cook pasta until just al dente to maintain a nice bite after mixing with the sauce.
  • Properly brown the sausage to add depth and caramelized flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun Sausage Pasta, creamy pasta, andouille sausage recipe, spicy pasta dish, quick Cajun dinner

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