This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining bold flavors with an incredibly simple preparation. In just under 20 minutes, you can have a comforting, restaurant-quality meal on the table using only five basic ingredients. It is a family-favorite dish that balances a rich, velvety sauce with the smoky kick of Cajun spices.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. First, it is incredibly fast; while the pasta boils, you prepare the sauce, making it perfect for busy evenings. Second, it only requires five ingredients, which means less time shopping and less time cleaning up. Finally, it is highly customizable. Whether you prefer a fiery heat or a mild, kid-friendly flavor, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s palate.
Ingredients
- 14 oz smoked sausage, cut into small slices (jalapeño cheddar sausage adds great flavor)
- 12 oz pasta (rotini is recommended for holding the sauce)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as SoLa Seasoning)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Once finished, drain the water and set the pasta aside.
- Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add the sausage slices. Sauté the sausage for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until they have developed a nice golden-brown color.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is fully incorporated into the cream.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 4 minutes. You will notice the sauce beginning to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, focus on the quality of your ingredients. Using a high-quality Cajun seasoning like SoLa Seasoning is a great choice because it is lower in sodium, allowing you to control the saltiness while maximizing flavor.
Another tip is to ensure you brown the sausage well. That golden-brown crust provides a deep, smoky flavor that infuses the entire sauce. If you find your sauce is too thick, you can reserve a small splash of pasta water before draining and stir it into the sauce at the end to reach your desired consistency.
Variations & Substitutions
While this recipe is fantastic as written, you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
Protein: If you don’t have sausage, sliced chicken breast or shrimp works beautifully with Cajun flavors.
Pasta: While rotini is great for catching sauce, penne, bow tie (farfalle), or even fettuccine are excellent substitutes.
Vegetables: To add some nutrition and color, consider sautéing sliced bell peppers and onions with the sausage.
Dairy: If you want a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce may not be quite as thick or rich as it is with heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a few simple sides. A crisp green side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cream sauce. For a more indulgent meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or Red Lobster style cheddar bay biscuits. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, also make a fantastic accompaniment that adds a nice crunch to the plate.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed. If you do freeze it, ensure it is completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Add a small splash of milk or cream to the pan to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 526 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 50g |
| Saturated Fat | 26g |
| Cholesterol | 163mg |
| Sodium | 1016mg |
| Potassium | 409mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Once finished, drain the water and set the pasta aside.12 oz pasta
- Place a medium skillet over medium heat and add the sausage slices. Sauté the sausage for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until they have developed a nice golden-brown color.14 oz smoked sausage
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is fully incorporated into the cream.2 cups heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 4 minutes. You will notice the sauce beginning to thicken slightly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
FAQ
Is this pasta very spicy?
The heat level depends entirely on the Cajun seasoning and the sausage you choose. If you use a mild seasoning and a standard smoked sausage, the dish will be very mild. Using jalapeño cheddar sausage or a “hot” Cajun blend will increase the spice level significantly.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
While pre-grated cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother into the sauce. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce feel slightly gritty.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the thickest, richest sauce. If you substitute with milk, the sauce will be very thin. Half-and-half is a better middle-ground substitute, but you may need to simmer it slightly longer to thicken.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients (sausage, cream, cheese, and seasoning) are typically gluten-free, but always check the labels on your sausage and seasoning to be certain.