Description
Indulgent Cajun Sausage Pasta blends spicy Creole flavors with rich, velvety sauce for a mouthwatering dinner experience. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a satisfying meal that brings Louisiana’s bold spirit directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 14 ounces (397 grams) beef sausage, cut into small slices
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese (or a plant-based Parmesan alternative)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta until just tender, about 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and introduce the sausage slices. Sear for 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve a rich golden-brown exterior with crisp edges.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream. Incorporate Cajun seasoning, stirring continuously to create a uniform sauce. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and develops a silky consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in Parmesan-style cheese, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that clings effortlessly to the pasta.
- Introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the spicy, creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too dense, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the ideal texture.
- Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and incredibly aromatic.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning to match personal heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Choose gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta to make the recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, which complement the Cajun flavor profile and boost vegetable intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg