Cajun Sausage Pasta
This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is bold, comforting, and on the table in 30 minutes! Loaded with smoky sausage, vibrant peppers, and a rich Cajun cream sauce, it’s the ultimate one-pan dinner for busy weeknights. A Southern-inspired classic that's quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Salt for boiling water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz smoked sausage e.g., andouille or Hillshire Farm, sliced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook sausage slices until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and paprika. Pour in broth and cream, then simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
- Return sausage and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season to taste, garnish with parsley and extra cheese, and serve warm.
Notes
Notes:
(Roughly)
- For a red sauce variation, add ½ cup marinara or crushed tomatoes.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or reducing Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
(Roughly)
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbs: 50–55g
- Fat: 35–40g