Cajun Sausage Pasta
Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich, spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine with the comforting goodness of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish captures the vibrant essence of Southern cooking in a simple yet satisfying meal. Your family and friends will love the bold flavors and creamy texture, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also boasts a stunning presentation, with colorful vegetables and mouthwatering sausage coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking to treat yourself to something special, Cajun Sausage Pasta is here to impress and satisfy with every delicious bite.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
This shows the fresh ingredients ready for preparation.
Directions
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they become tender and translucent.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, allowing the spices to infuse the sausage and vegetables.
- Add the pasta to the pot along with enough water to cover it completely, and bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative to smoked sausage.
- Optional variations: For added flavor, include other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding red pepper flakes if you like it hotter.
- Storage or reheating tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or cream to bring the dish back to life.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Cajun Sausage Pasta
450kcal
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz pasta Any type of pasta can be used, such as penne or rotini.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced Turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative.
Seasoning and Dairy
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Vegetables
- 1 each bell pepper, diced
- 1 each onion, diced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Oil
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
Method
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they become tender and translucent.
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, allowing the spices to infuse the sausage and vegetables.
- Add the pasta to the pot along with enough water to cover it completely, and bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories450kcalCarbohydrates32gProtein25gFat30gSaturated Fat15gSodium900mgFiber2gSugar3g
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or cream to bring the dish back to life. For added flavor, include other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding red pepper flakes if you like it hotter.