Sizzling Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage Recipe: Bold Comfort Food

Whipping up a mouthwatering spicy cajun pasta with sausage promises an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Authentic louisiana seasonings bring serious heat and depth to this classic comfort dish.

Southern charm meets culinary excitement in every single bite.

Robust andouille sausage delivers a smoky punch that perfectly complements zesty spices.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Creamy sauce and bold seasonings create a harmonious blend that screams deliciousness.

You can’t resist digging into this incredible meal that combines traditional cajun flair with modern cooking techniques.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, bold Louisiana-style flavor profile.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Use less for mild flavor or add red pepper flakes for extra kick. You can always control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of seasoning.

• What kind of sausage works best?

Andouille sausage is traditional in Cajun cooking and provides the most authentic flavor. However, spicy Italian sausage or smoked sausage are excellent alternatives that will still deliver great taste.

Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage Highlights

• Impress your family and friends with a professional-looking dish that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen, without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your personal heat tolerance, making this recipe perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder kick.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup while maximizing flavor by cooking everything in a single pan, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without extensive preparation.

Ingredients for Cajun Pasta with Sausage

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds rich, spicy character to the pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that perfectly holds the creamy Cajun sauce.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that provides depth and complexity to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: A creamy base that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: A bold spice blend that gives the pasta its signature Cajun kick.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: A sharp cheese that adds richness and a fresh herb that provides a bright finishing touch.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic ingredients that enhance overall flavor and help with cooking process.

Cooking Cajun Pasta with Sausage Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the pasta, but keep a cup of the starchy cooking water on the side – it’ll come in handy later.

Step 2: Sear the Sausage

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Pop open the sausage casing and crumble the meat into the pan.

Break it apart as it sizzles, cooking until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Dance with the Veggies

• Bell peppers (sliced)
• Onions (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)

Sauté everything with the sausage until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Craft the Spicy Sauce

• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.

Stir everything together and let it simmer, thickening into a luscious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing it lovingly in the creamy Cajun sauce.

If things look too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Shower the dish with Parmesan cheese and let it melt into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Tips for Spicy Cajun Pasta Success

• Use Cajun seasoning generously to add depth and kick to the entire dish, ensuring each bite is packed with robust spiciness.
• Crumble sausage into small, uniform pieces while cooking to distribute flavor evenly and create a more cohesive texture throughout the pasta.
• Keep reserved pasta water handy to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, helping you control the perfect creamy balance without losing flavor intensity.
• Slice bell peppers and onions to similar sizes for even cooking, ensuring they remain tender-crisp and maintain their vibrant texture in the final dish.
• Add Parmesan cheese off direct heat and stir quickly to prevent clumping, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats every pasta strand beautifully.

Saving and Reheating Cajun Pasta with Sausage

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Pairings for Cajun Pasta and Sausage

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the spicy Cajun flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with its robust character.
• Enhance with Crisp Beer: Choose a refreshing wheat beer or pale ale, which helps balance the rich, spicy pasta and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Cool Cucumber Salad: Create a light side dish with sliced cucumbers, fresh dill, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a cooling contrast to the spicy main course.
• Match with Creamy Coleslaw: Prepare a creamy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar, offering a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that perfectly offsets the pasta's richness.

Fun Twists for Cajun Pasta with Sausage

• Vegetarian Spice Blast: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, seasoned with Cajun spices for protein-packed flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional penne with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or corn to maintain recipe's authentic taste and texture.
• Low-Carb Zest Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the rich Cajun sauce and protein elements intact.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Hack: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, allergen-friendly version.

Spicy Cajun Pasta with Sausage Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fiery Cajun pasta blends Louisiana’s bold spices with hearty sausage in a creamy, zesty sauce that dances across your palate. Packed with robust flavors and quick preparation, this dish promises a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) sausage (Italian sausage or Cajun sausage)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Cook penne pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Extract sausage from its casing and crumble into hot pan. Sizzle meat for 6-7 minutes, breaking into smaller fragments while browning thoroughly.
3. Introduce sliced bell peppers and diced onions into the sausage-filled skillet. Sauté vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they soften and develop slight caramelization. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to release aromatic qualities.
4. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and dried oregano across the skillet. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking ingredients until uniformly integrated. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing liquid to reduce and thicken slightly.
5. Transfer cooked pasta into the spicy sauce, thoroughly coating each noodle. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water if needed. Fold grated Parmesan cheese into mixture, enabling it to melt and create a creamy texture.
6. Evaluate seasoning, adding salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish more diet-friendly and nutritious.
• Swap spicy sausage with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains the bold Cajun flavor profile.
• Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning or using a mild version for those with sensitive palates.
• Enhance the dish’s protein content by adding grilled chicken or shrimp as an extra protein option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg