Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and a little spicy, you’re going to love this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances the smoky kick of andouille sausage with a rich, indulgent cream sauce, all tossed with tender pasta. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want comforting food that feels a little special but is super straightforward to throw together.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve chosen ingredients here that work beautifully together to build layers of flavor—from the smoky sausage to the spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy Parmesan sauce. Picking quality sausage and fresh veggies will make a noticeable difference in the final dish, so don’t skimp there!

• Short cut pasta: Penne or rigatoni work great here, and gluten-free options hold up well in this creamy sauce.
• Olive oil: Just enough for sautéing and bringing out those fantastic aroma notes.
• Cajun seasoning: I like to divide it so you can build the flavor gradually and adjust the spice level.
• Smoked andouille sausage: This is the star of the show—smoky, spicy, and perfectly textured when sliced thinly on the bias.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened with the peppers.
• Bell peppers: I usually use a combo for color and sweetness; they mellow nicely in the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat boost—feel free to adjust or omit if you’re spice-sensitive.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic practically sings in the cream sauce.
• Chicken broth: A light base to build the sauce without overwhelming it.
• Heavy cream: Or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist—this makes the sauce luscious and velvety.
• Tomato paste: Gives a lovely richness and depth to the sauce’s flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for a salty, nutty finish and an extra creamy texture.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color when serving.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often play around with it depending on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving — and you should too!

• Protein swaps: Sometimes I swap the andouille with chicken sausage or chorizo to change up the flavor profile, and it’s just as tasty.
• Dairy-free option: Using full-fat coconut milk instead of cream works beautifully and adds a subtle hint of sweetness, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Vegetable boost: Want to sneak extra veggies? Toss in chopped zucchini or mushrooms when cooking the peppers and onion.
• Milder spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning by half and skip the red pepper flakes — the creaminess helps keep it flavorful without the burn.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—salting makes all the difference in pasta flavor. Cook your short cut pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. I always reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining because this starchy water is magic for loosening the sauce later. Don’t rinse the pasta; you want the sauce to cling like a cozy sweater.

Step 2: Crisp the Sausage for Extra Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked andouille sausage sprinkled with about 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook the sausage until nicely crisped on both sides, usually about 5 minutes. This crispiness is key—you get that smoky, spicy bite with a little crunch. Transfer the sausage to a plate but keep those flavorful drippings in the pan!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies with Spice

Lower the heat to medium and toss in diced onion, bell peppers, remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the veggies soften up, about 3 minutes. Adding the garlic last, cook it for 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This step creates the aromatic base for your sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Whisk steadily to combine everything into a smooth, beautiful sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer about 5 to 7 minutes, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together with Cheese & Pasta

Stir in grated Parmesan, then add your cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the crispy sausage slices. Toss everything so it’s evenly coated in that creamy sauce. The reserved pasta water comes into play here—add a splash if you find the sauce a little thick or want it silkier. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley scattered on top, and you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh, chopped parsley over the top—its brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. A little extra Parmesan on the side is a must, too, so everyone can add as much cheesy goodness as they want.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and warm crusty bread to mop up the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed green beans also pair beautifully and add a fresh crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I like to serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side—those little pops of citrus make the spice pop even more. You can also bring this to a casual dinner party straight from the skillet, which gets rave reviews every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the sauce a bit overnight, so it’s even more flavorful the next day. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep it luscious.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, but I’ve had good success with this one. Freeze portions in airtight containers without cheese (add fresh Parmesan after reheating). Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stovetop with a bit of broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Reheating

The best way I found to reheat is on low heat in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid drying out. Microwave works too, but you’ll want to add liquid and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe, it quickly became a staple in my weekly rotation because it’s so satisfying and simple to make. There’s something about the comforting cream sauce paired with spicy, crispy sausage that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again. Give it a go, put on some music, and savor the process as much as the incredible meal!

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