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- 12 oz. penne pasta - 1 lb. Cajun or Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start. The penne pasta gives a nice bite. The sausage adds a spicy kick. I love using Cajun or Andouille sausage for the best flavor. You need olive oil to sauté the sausage and veggies. Dice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. These veggies add color and sweetness. Minced garlic gives a strong, aromatic flavor. Heavy cream and chicken broth make the sauce rich and smooth. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper sharpen the dish's overall taste. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese! It melts beautifully into the sauce. Finally, fresh parsley makes a bright and colorful garnish. Enjoy the rainbow of flavors in this dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Save a cup of pasta water for later use. Now, take a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 minutes. You want it to brown and get crispy. Once it's done, remove the sausage from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate, but leave those tasty drippings in the pan. In the same skillet, add your diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be tender and a bit caramelized. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute until you smell that wonderful aroma. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Add the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for that kick. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens and becomes creamy. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Mix it well with the sauce. Then, add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Adjust it until you like the consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. This creates a luscious, creamy texture. Once mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Enjoy your delicious creamy Cajun sausage pasta! - Avoiding Overcooking: Always cook your pasta in boiling salted water. Follow the package time closely, aiming for al dente. Test a piece before draining to ensure it’s firm yet tender. Overcooking leads to mushy pasta, which ruins the dish. - Ensuring Flavorful Sauces: Use the sausage drippings left in the skillet. They add depth to the sauce. Simmer the sauce gently to blend flavors well. Stir in the heavy cream slowly, allowing it to thicken nicely. - Options for Sausage Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage works well. You can also use vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a meat-free version. Both alternatives bring unique flavors to your pasta. - Dairy-Free Adjustments: To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Plating Ideas for Visual Appeal: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta into a nest for a nice look. This presentation adds elegance to your meal. - Garnishing Options with Fresh Ingredients: Top the dish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your penne pasta until just al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your dish. Consider using fresh garlic and parsley for a vibrant taste. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or opt for a milder sausage. You can always add more spice later! Save Pasta Water: Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency and help it cling to the pasta. {{image_4}} You can make your dish hotter with a few simple tweaks. First, try adding red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can boost the heat. If you want even more spice, increase the Cajun seasoning. Adjust it to your taste. If you want a meat-free option, you can swap the sausage for veggies. Try mushrooms or zucchini. They add great flavor and texture. For creaminess, use non-dairy options like almond milk or coconut cream. These keep the dish rich without the dairy. One-pot meals save time and cleanup. Start by cooking the sausage in a large pot. Remove it once browned. Next, add the veggies and cook them in the same pot. Add your pasta and broth together, letting it cook until tender. This method keeps all the flavors in one dish. Use a lid to trap steam for faster cooking. - Refrigeration Guidelines: After you finish your meal, let the pasta cool. Store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps the pasta fresh. - Recommended Storage Containers: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They help keep the flavor and texture. Choose containers that fit your portion size. - Best Practices for Freezing Pasta Dishes: To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. - Thawing and Reheating Instructions: To thaw, place the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth. Stir until warmed through. - When to Consume Leftovers: Eat leftovers within three to four days if stored in the fridge. If frozen, use them within three months for best taste. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for changes in color or texture. If it smells off or has mold, do not eat it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prep, cook the pasta and sausage as directed. Store them separately in sealed containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat the sausage and sauce in a skillet. Add the pasta and stir until warm. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple green salad adds crunch and freshness. Garlic bread pairs well with the creamy sauce and is great for dipping. You might also enjoy steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side. To reduce the spice, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a bit more cream or cheese to the sauce. This will help tone down the heat. Consider using bell peppers or cream to balance the flavors. Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but rotini or farfalle are great choices too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. The key is to keep it al dente for the best texture. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook and portion it out in advance. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay good for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to reheat it gently. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We discussed all the key ingredients and detailed steps to cook it perfectly. I shared tips for storing leftovers and variations to suit different tastes. Remember, you can easily adjust spices and substitutes for a personalized dish. Cooking should be fun, so try out different ideas. With practice, you'll make it your very own. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this creamy, flavorful dish!

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun sausage, bell peppers, and a creamy sauce.
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
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Cajun or Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water if needed later.
  • Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes or until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage pieces from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan for added flavor.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  • Create the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream along with the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken and become creamy.
  • Combine: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing it well with the sauce. Then, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a luscious and creamy texture. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, dinner, pasta, sausage