Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines bold, smoky andouille sausage with perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with Cajun spices. This quick and easy Southern-inspired comfort food delivers a harmonious balance of bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying heartiness, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern / Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Sausage and Protein
- 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced andouille sausage until crispy and fragrant. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic until softened and aromatic.
- Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce gently simmer until it thickens slightly and the spices infuse through the cream.
- Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and evenly coat the pasta.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted into the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Use quality andouille or smoked sausage for authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Toast Cajun seasoning briefly in the pan before adding cream to maximize flavor.
- Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds brightness and freshness against the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta, spicy sausage pasta, Southern comfort food, easy pasta dinner, Andouille sausage recipe