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To make creamy Cajun sausage pasta, you need: - 8 oz. fettuccine or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The pasta gives the base. Use eight ounces to serve four people well. The sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor. One pound of sliced sausage will give you just that. Use a medium onion and two cloves of garlic for the best taste. They enhance the dish with depth. Bell peppers add color and crunch. One diced bell pepper is perfect. The heavy cream and chicken broth make the sauce creamy. You need one cup of each for the right consistency. Two tablespoons of Cajun seasoning give it that spicy kick you crave. Finally, add cherry tomatoes for freshness and a half cup of grated Parmesan for creaminess. You can mix in some extras to make this dish your own. Consider adding more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. You can also use different types of pasta, like rotini or spaghetti. If you love heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, toss in some corn. Each optional ingredient can change the dish and make it special! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add salt for flavor. Once the water bubbles, add 8 oz. of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally so it doesn't stick. After it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage, like Andouille. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s browned. This step adds flavor! Next, toss in 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper, either red or green. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together well. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems thick, a splash more broth or cream can help. Let it sit for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. To get the best creaminess, use heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. If you want it even creamier, add more cheese. Parmesan cheese helps add flavor too. If the sauce is too thick, just add a little chicken broth or cream. Stir it well until it looks just right. Cajun seasoning gives this dish a nice kick. If you like it mild, use less seasoning. Start with one tablespoon and taste the sauce. You can always add more if you want more heat. If it’s too spicy, add more cream or cheese to cool it down. Balance is key! Don’t rush the cooking process. Take your time to sauté the sausage till it’s brown. This adds great flavor. When cooking the pasta, make sure it's al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Also, remember to save some pasta water. It can help adjust the sauce later if needed. Enjoy your cooking adventure! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: For an authentic Cajun flavor, Andouille sausage is ideal, but any smoked sausage will work well too. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage. Perfect Pasta: Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Add Freshness: Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish's flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change the sausage to fit your taste. Try chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter meal. Both options still give great flavor. If you want plant-based choices, use tempeh or seitan. These options absorb flavors well and keep the dish hearty. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Consider using spinach or kale for a fresh touch. You could also add mushrooms for depth. Broccoli or zucchini will add texture and color. Mix and match these to suit your tastes. While fettuccine and penne work great, other pastas can shine in this dish. Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier choice. Or use spiralized veggies, like zucchini or carrots, for a fun twist. Each option gives a unique texture and flavor. After you enjoy your creamy Cajun sausage pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For best taste, eat leftovers soon. When you're ready to eat again, reheat the pasta on the stove. Pour it into a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help it stay creamy. Stir often until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s best to freeze pasta without the cheese. This way, it keeps its taste and texture. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for a delicious meal. You can use a mix of spices to replace Cajun seasoning. Try using paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you like, chili powder works too. This way, you create a unique flavor that suits your taste. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Just choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you can enjoy it without worry. To make it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage for more heat. If you want it milder, reduce the Cajun seasoning. Use sweet sausage instead of spicy ones. This way, you can control the heat to fit your taste. In this blog post, we covered a complete guide to making a tasty pasta dish. We discussed the needed ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about different variations and how to store leftovers well. Cooking pasta can be fun and easy, especially with these strategies. Remember, you can always adjust the dish to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with friends and family!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with smoked sausage and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (like Andouille), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the sliced sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Add more broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, sausage