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Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Sausage Pasta
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Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick, spicy, and creamy one-pan meal bursting with bold Cajun spices, smoky andouille sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant veggies. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a satisfying, spicy dish with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into bite-size rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Pasta

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the andouille sausage into bite-size rounds, dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers. Having everything ready upfront makes the cooking go smoothly and quickly.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
  3. Sauté the sausage and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in onions, garlic, and bell peppers and sauté until softened, releasing those lovely aromas.
  4. Add the Cajun seasoning: Sprinkle the flavorful Cajun seasoning over the sausage and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. This step is where the dish really starts to develop that signature spicy profile.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir well. Let it gently simmer to thicken, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the spicy cream sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  7. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top and stir until melted and integrated, adding a rich, savory finish.

Notes

  • Use quality sausage: Choose authentic andouille sausage for the best smoky flavor.
  • Don’t skip the aromatics: Garlic and onions are flavor powerhouses that make a huge difference.
  • Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with chicken broth.
  • Keep pasta al dente: It holds up better when tossed with the sauce and doesn’t get mushy.
  • Reserve pasta water: It helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly without thinning out the flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, spicy pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, quick dinner, one-pan pasta, andouille sausage recipe

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