Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor, vibrant colors, and irresistible creaminess, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. This dish masterfully combines smoky, spicy andouille sausage with tender penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and a luscious, cheesy Cajun-infused sauce. It is perfectly balanced between creamy richness and a kick of Cajun spice, making it both satisfying and exciting to your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a deliciously hearty experience that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from adding smoky depth and spice to enhancing texture and color — all helping to build a well-rounded, comforting dish.
- Andouille sausage (13 oz.): Choose quality andouille for its smoky, spicy flavor that’s key to the dish’s soul.
- Fresh baby bella mushrooms (6 oz.): These bring earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Red bell pepper (½ medium): Adds sweetness and vibrant color, brightening up the plate.
- Yellow bell pepper (½ medium): Another splash of color and a gentle peppery crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Garlic cloves (3 large): Minced fresh garlic injects aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- Gluten-free penne pasta (12 oz.): Provides the perfect sturdy base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes (½ cup): Adds subtle smoky acidity that lifts the dish’s flavor.
- Chicken broth (3 ½ cups): Acts as the flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with savory notes.
- No-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp): Brings authentic Cajun heat and spice without overpowering.
- Cream cheese (7 oz.): The secret ingredient that creates the dish’s signature luscious and creamy sauce.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the savory flavors.
- Fresh Italian parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous garnish at the end.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for an extra punch of heat to finish.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Andouille Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your sliced andouille sausage medallions. Let them sear undisturbed until they’re nicely crisped on both sides, about four minutes total. This step not only intensifies their smoky flavor but also renders out delicious sausage oil that forms the flavorful base for sautéing your vegetables.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Peppers
Next, using the sausage-infused oil left in the skillet, toss in your mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about three minutes until the mushrooms begin to brown and the peppers soften slightly. This step builds layers of flavor and adds a mix of textures that balance well against the sausage.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Liquids
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the gluten-free penne pasta to the pan along with diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and the Cajun seasoning. Stir gently to combine everything evenly, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the flavorful broth to cook perfectly.
Step 4: Simmer the Pasta
Cover the skillet and bring the broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly. The goal here is perfectly tender, al dente penne soaking up all those amazing Cajun flavors.
Step 5: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, break your cream cheese into chunks and stir it directly into the skillet. Keep stirring until the cream cheese fully melts, creating that silky, creamy sauce that clings luxuriously to every bite of pasta and veggie.
Step 6: Add Sausage and Season
Return the seared sausage medallions to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Add salt to taste, mixing well to ensure every component is well-seasoned and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld wonderfully together.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley over the pasta for a bright, herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. For those who like things extra spicy, a dash of red pepper flakes adds an appealing kick and a pop of red color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its bold flavors. Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans to add freshness and a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve this pasta in rustic bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a wedge of lemon on the side for brightness. Garnish with extra parsley sprigs or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a little cheesy finish. The vibrant colors and creamy sauce make it picture-perfect for sharing photos before everyone digs in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Since it’s so rich and creamy, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful if not better the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When freezing, it’s best to keep the dish slightly undercooked to prevent mushy pasta after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir often to maintain that smooth, creamy texture and avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille sausage lends that classic smoky Cajun character, you can substitute with kielbasa, chorizo, or even a milder smoked sausage if you prefer less heat or a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe uses gluten-free penne, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just make sure your Cajun seasoning and broth are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap out the sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like smoked tofu or tempeh. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain that signature Cajun punch.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone or cream-style ricotta can offer a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a dairy-free option, a cashew cream or coconut cream might work with some flavor tweaks.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning and the optional red pepper flakes. It’s moderately spicy and flavorful, but you can always adjust the seasoning amounts or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is a magnificent balance of creamy indulgence and fiery Cajun flair that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite pasta dish that always delivers comfort with a flavorful kick.
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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta features spicy andouille sausage, sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms, all tossed in a luscious creamy sauce made with cream cheese and fire-roasted tomatoes. Gluten-free penne pasta is simmered in a flavorful spiced broth before being coated in the creamy Cajun sauce, making it a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt to taste
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the medallions on both sides until they develop a slight crisp, about 4 minutes total. This helps render flavorful sausage oil. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, but keep the flavorful sausage oil in the pan.
- Cook veggies: In the same skillet with the sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the mushrooms start to brown and the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Add the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything gently until well combined.
- Simmer pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta should be tender and cooked al dente.
- Add cream cheese: Break the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until completely melted. This will create a thick, creamy sauce coating the pasta and veggies.
- Combine sausage and season: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet, add salt to taste, and stir everything well to combine and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped Italian parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute the andouille sausage with smoked sausage or spicy chorizo for variation.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Using gluten-free pasta makes this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
