Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors and cozy creaminess, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how the smoky andouille sausage dances with the Cajun spices, all wrapped up in a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together surprisingly quickly — perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special.

When I first tried this creamy Cajun sausage pasta, I was hooked by how well the spicy kick balanced with the smooth creaminess. The peppers and onions add just the right amount of veggie sweetness, making it feel like a complete meal. You’ll find that this dish is a crowd-pleaser—my family goes crazy for it every time, and I bet yours will too once you try it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe sing. You’ll want to look for smoked andouille sausage for that signature smoky flavor, while fresh peppers and onion give freshness and crunch. Plus, the combination of chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan brings everything together with a silky finish.

• Short cut pasta (like penne): Penne holds the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use gluten-free if you need to!
• Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and veggies to get that delicious crisp and caramelization.
• Cajun seasoning: Divided between the sausage and veggies for that layered spice effect.
• Smoked andouille sausage: The star ingredient — smoky, spicy, and packed with flavor, sliced on the bias for nice bite-sized pieces.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
• Bell peppers (any color): I love using red and green to add color and a mild sweetness.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to amp up the heat, but you can adjust to your tolerance.
• Garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch that pairs so well with Cajun spices.
• Chicken broth: This boosts umami and helps create the sauce’s base.
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: For that creamy, dreamy texture that smooths out the spices.
• Tomato paste: Adds subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in for saltiness and depth, plus more for sprinkling when serving.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens every bite and adds a fresh, herbal touch.

Variations

I love to tweak this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe to keep things interesting or cater to everyone’s tastes. Whether you want more veggies, a milder flavor, or even a different protein, this dish is super adaptable.

• Swap the sausage: I’ve often used chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option, and it still tastes fantastic.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and add mushrooms or smoked tofu for that umami punch.
• Adjust spice level: If heat isn’t your thing, cut down on the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes — the creamy sauce still shines.
• Extra veggies: Bell peppers are great, but adding zucchini or spinach works well and adds more nutrients.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente — firm to the bite but fully cooked. When it’s done, scoop out about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is magic for thinning out the sauce later if needed. Don’t rinse the pasta; leaving it a bit sticky helps the sauce cling better.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and sprinkle with about two teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the sausage until it’s nicely crisped on both sides, about 5 minutes. This gives the sausage a beautiful texture and deepens its smoky flavor. Once ready, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build Flavor

Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, toss in the diced onion, bell peppers, the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the veggies soften, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant — this step is where the flavor starts to get really layered and delicious.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and stir in tomato paste until everything blends smoothly. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This thickens the sauce just right without losing that velvety texture that’s so key to this dish.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Toss It All Together

Stir in the Parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce, giving it that salty, cheesy depth we all love. Add back in the cooked pasta and sausage, then toss everything until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add up to a cup of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for brightness.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this pasta with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The cheese boosts that savory flavor, and the parsley adds a fresh, vibrant pop that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this dish are a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A side of roasted broccoli or green beans also pairs nicely and adds a little textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a bright sprig of thyme or a wedge of lemon on the side. It makes each plate feel a little more festive and lets guests customize their flavor balance if they want a splash of citrus brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. I recommend stirring the pasta gently before storing to keep everything evenly coated in the sauce, which helps maintain its creamy texture when reheated.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this pasta in portioned containers for up to a month. When freezing, leave out the fresh parsley garnish and add it fresh when serving. The creamy sauce can sometimes separate a little when frozen, but a good stir helps bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the texture creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out — way better than the microwave in my experience!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe has found a permanent spot in my regular dinner rotation because it’s just so comforting and flavorful without demanding hours in the kitchen. I love sharing it with friends and family since it always impresses but feels homey and approachable. If you’re looking for a recipe that offers a little spice, a lot of creaminess, and an easy prep, give this one a try — I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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