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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Rich, Spicy & Irresistibly Creamy Weeknight Comfort

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is bold, comforting, and loaded with smoky flavor — the kind of cozy, satisfying dinner that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Tender pasta is coated in a luscious Cajun-seasoned cream sauce, mixed with seared sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, and just the right amount of heat. It’s quick, hearty, soul-warming, and absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for busy weeknights, comforting winter meals, and anyone who loves creamy pasta with a spicy kick. One pan. Big flavor. Zero stress.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Sausage
  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or bowtie work great
  • 1 lb smoked sausage or andouille sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Veggies & Aromatics
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Creamy Cajun Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • Chopped parsley
  • Extra parmesan
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Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sliced sausage and sear until browned on both sides.
  3. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
  1. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper.
  2. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Cajun Sauce
  1. Stir in:
  2. Cajun seasoning
  3. smoked paprika
  4. tomato paste
  5. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in:
  7. heavy cream
  8. chicken broth
  9. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Pasta
  1. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
  2. Add cooked pasta + browned sausage back to the skillet.
  3. Toss to coat everything in the creamy Cajun sauce.
  4. If too thick, splash in pasta water until silky.
Step 6: Taste & Finish
  1. Season with salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning if needed.
  2. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  3. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate)
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

🥄 Variations

Cajun Chicken Pasta – Swap sausage for sliced chicken breast.
Shrimp Version – Add sautéed shrimp at the end.
Veggie Upgrade – Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Extra Creamy – Add 2 oz cream cheese.
Tomato Cajun Pasta – Add a can of diced tomatoes.
Healthy Swap – Use chicken sausage + light cream.
Beer Cajun Pasta – Replace ¼ cup broth with beer for depth.
One-Pot Version – Cook the pasta directly in the skillet.
Cheesy Cajun Bake – Top with mozzarella and broil 2 minutes.
Smoked Cajun Pasta – Use smoked gouda for extra richness.

❓ 10 FAQs

Is it very spicy?
Mild unless using hot andouille — adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream.
What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne hold the sauce well.
Can I use plant-based sausage?
Yes — brown it the same way.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add pasta water or broth to thin.
Can kids eat this?
Stick to mild sausage and reduce Cajun seasoning.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes — sauce thickens, so loosen with a splash of broth.
What can I serve it with?
Garlic bread, salad, roasted veggies.
Can I substitute parmesan?
Yes — pecorino or mozzarella work too.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely — this dish is very versatile.

🏁 Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is rich, spicy, smoky, and unbelievably satisfying — the perfect one-pan comfort meal. With seared sausage, sautéed peppers, velvety Cajun cream sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a recipe that feels luxurious yet comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Whether for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or comfort cravings, this pasta is pure perfection.