This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a lively dish with bold flavors! It combines juicy sausage with pasta tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that’s oh-so-comforting.
It’s like a party on your plate! 🎉 I love how quick it comes together—just cook, mix, and enjoy! Perfect for those busy nights when you still want something tasty.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great for holding onto the sauce, but other shapes like rigatoni or fusilli also work well. If you’re gluten-free, chickpea or brown rice pasta can be a good alternative.
Smoked Sausage: Andouille adds a spicy kick, while kielbasa is milder. If you want a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or even cooked chickpeas for a similar texture.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend makes the dish flavorful. If you’re out, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Adjust the spice level to your taste preference.
Heavy Cream: It creates a rich sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream if you want a lighter or vegan dish.
How Do I Cook the Sausage to Get the Best Flavor?
The key to great flavor is browning the sausage. This caramelizes the sugars and adds depth to the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat before adding the olive oil.
- Add the sliced sausage in a single layer; avoid crowding the pan.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
This process allows the sausage to develop a nice crust, enhancing the overall taste of your pasta.
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How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb smoked sausage (e.g., andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and another 15 minutes preparing the sausage and the sauce while it simmers. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Browning the Sausage:
While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned. This will add a ton of flavor!
3. Sautéing the Veggies:
Next, toss the diced bell pepper and chopped onion into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender. Their sweetness will balance out the spice from the sausage!
4. Adding Garlic and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time for the garlic! Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) and the cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Seasoning the Sauce:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sauce, and don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time!
6. Bringing it All Together:
Now, it’s time to mix the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is coated well and heated through. This should only take a minute or two.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Cajun Sausage Pasta with freshly chopped parsley. If you like, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille and kielbasa are great choices, you can substitute with any smoked or cooked sausage you prefer, like chorizo or Italian sausage. Just be aware that different sausages will slightly change the flavor profile, so adjust the Cajun seasoning if needed!
How to Adjust Spice Levels?
If you prefer a milder dish, start with just 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more but it’s hard to reduce spice once it’s in! For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
