Cajun Sausage Pasta is a tasty dish that mixes spicy sausage with creamy pasta. It’s a one-pot wonder that packs a lot of flavor without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the sauce deliciously! If you don’t have penne, use farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti as great alternatives.
Cajun Sausage: Smoked sausage adds rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian dish, try using a meat alternative like plant-based sausage or mushrooms for earthiness.
Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. If you’re looking to cut calories or fat, half-and-half or coconut milk can substitute, but adjust seasoning since coconut milk adds sweetness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a creamy melt. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy flavor, although the texture will differ.
Spices: Cajun seasoning is key for flavor. If you prefer less heat, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper. Or, mix your spices with paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper for a homemade version!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking pasta correctly can make all the difference! Follow these tips for perfect results:
- Always use plenty of salted water; it should taste like the sea. This adds flavor to the pasta.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should be firm when bitten. Check the package for timing.
- Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It’s handy for adjusting sauce consistency later!
- Don’t rinse the pasta after draining—this washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling.
How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sausage:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked Cajun sausage, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing ingredients, then another 20 minutes sautéing and mixing everything together. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water just in case you need to adjust your sauce later!
2. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Veggies:
Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent. Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. If you’re using red bell pepper, stir it in now along with the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking everything together for 2-3 minutes until the veggies softens.
4. Spice It Up:
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices coat the vegetables evenly, bringing out that bold, Cajun flavor!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes. As the sauce simmers, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is beautifully creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked pasta and the sautéed sausage back into the pan. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cajun Sausage Pasta warm. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a fresh salad. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked Cajun sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem! If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow the fresh tomatoes to soften!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Sure! To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include some diced jalapeños. You can also try using a spicy Cajun seasoning blend for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the creamy texture.
