introduction
This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick, warm meal with bold flavors. It mixes spicy Cajun sausage, cream, cheese, and pasta. You can make it fast on a weeknight.
why make this recipe
- It cooks fast and fills you up.
- It needs simple ingredients you can find easily.
- It makes one-pan cleanup easy if you use a large skillet.
- The dish is creamy, spicy, and cheesy — many people like that mix.
how to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Boil the pasta until it is cooked, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until the edges brown.
- Add diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir so the sausage and vegetables get coated.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot.
Ingredients :
- 12 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 pound Cajun sausage (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir well.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese, stirring until everything is well combined and cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
how to serve Cajun Sausage Pasta
Serve the pasta straight from the pan while it is hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. Offer lemon wedges for a bright touch, or a side salad to balance the creaminess.
how to store Cajun Sausage Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months, but the cream sauce may change texture when thawed.
tips to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Use pasta shapes that hold sauce, like penne or rotini.
- Brown the sausage well for more flavor.
- Cook the vegetables until soft but not mushy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or broth to thin it.
- Taste before adding salt; the sausage and cheese can add saltiness.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for more protein.
- Stir in diced tomatoes or a spoon of tomato paste for a tangy sauce.
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to cut calories (sauce will be thinner).
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack to increase heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different sausage?
A: Yes. Use any smoked or spicy sausage you like. Adjust seasoning if the sausage is mild.
Q: Is there a vegetarian option?
A: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth to adjust the sauce. Add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
Q: Can I make this low-fat?
A: Use half-and-half or milk and a low-fat cheese. The sauce will be less rich but still tasty.
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: About 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook and cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.
Conclusion
For a one-pan creamy version of this dish, see the detailed method on One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Pass Me Some Tasty. If you want another take with different tips, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – The Cookin Chicks guide. For an easy weeknight version, check One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for ideas.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini) Choose shapes that hold sauce well.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Cajun sausage (sliced) Any smoked or spicy sausage can be used.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) Pepper jack can be used for added heat.
- 1 bell pepper diced Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 1 onion diced Use yellow or white onion.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste based on your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season as needed.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking the sausage and vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the pasta until it is cooked, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until the edges brown.
- Add diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir so the sausage and vegetables get coated.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot.
