Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Ready in 30 Minutes
Introduction
If you’re looking for a fast, delicious meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, then Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is just what you need. This comforting dish brings a delightful kick of flavor in only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With savory smoked turkey sausage, creamy cheese, and bold Cajun spices, every bite will leave you satisfied and wanting more. Let’s dive right into this tasty treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you probably already have.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce and Cajun spices is irresistible.
- Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and filling, just the way comfort food should be!
This recipe stands out with a perfect balance of spices and creaminess that sets it apart from regular pasta dishes. It brings comfort and satisfaction just when you need it, making it a winner in any household.
Ingredients Needed
To whip up your Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you will need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain it and set it aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Next, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to mix everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta, tossing well until it’s fully coated in the luscious sauce.
- Serve: Serve your creamy Cajun sausage pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color!
Serving and Storage Tips
To enhance the presentation, serve the pasta in warm bowls with an extra sprinkle of cheese or parsley on top. For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and maintain its creaminess.
Helpful Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by using more or less Cajun seasoning based on your taste.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread.
Conclusion
Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a fantastic dish that impresses with minimal effort. Its quick prep time and satisfying flavors make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without sacrificing valuable time. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below! Share your experience on social media, and don’t hesitate to tell us what variations you tried!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite sausage, including chicken sausage or pork sausage, if you prefer.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free penne pasta and check the labels for any other ingredients that may contain gluten.
Why did my sauce curdle?
A curdled sauce can happen if the cream is added too quickly or cooked at too high a temperature. Make sure to keep the heat moderate when stirring in the cream.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the pasta after it’s cooled, and it will keep for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a bit of extra broth.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too runny, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your liking.
Print
Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
This quick and delicious Cajun sausage pasta is ready in just 30 minutes, offering a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper, sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and drained tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Gradually stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Toss in the cooked penne pasta until fully coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to adjust spice levels or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg