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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a rich, comforting one-pan meal made with smoky sausage, tender pasta, colorful peppers, and a creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with bold flavor and a restaurant-quality finish.

Ingredients

  • Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine pasta
  • Smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Yellow onion, diced
  • Red bell pepper, sliced
  • Green bell pepper, sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. Melt the butter in the same skillet and sauté the onion and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  8. Add the cream cheese, if using, and stir until melted and smooth.
  9. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  10. Return the sausage to the skillet.
  11. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  12. Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Add mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
  • Reserve pasta water to easily adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing.

Nutrition

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