Craving a weeknight dinner that’s ready in a flash, bursting with flavor, and won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe is your answer. It’s become a staple in my own busy household – after a long day, there’s nothing better than a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. And trust me, this one is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of our family. She always had a pot simmering, and her Cajun-inspired dishes were legendary. This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is my homage to her. It captures the essence of those warm, spicy flavors but adapted for a modern, busy lifestyle. It brings back fond memories with every bite, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add Aromatics and Peppers: Add onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Spice it Up: Stir in Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.1 pound pasta, salt
- **Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound Italian sausage
- **Add Aromatics and Peppers:** Add onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper
- **Spice it Up:** Stir in Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- **Simmer the Sauce:** Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth
- **Make it Creamy:** Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- **Combine and Serve:** Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.1 pound pasta
- **Garnish and Enjoy:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.Fresh parsley