Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Food Recipe Ideas

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Smoky sausage and a velvety, spicy cream sauce tossed with penne for a 30-minute weeknight pasta everyone will love.

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5 from 1 review
⏱ 30 mins 🍽 4 servings 🔋 720 kcal
10 mins
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time

🛒 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and brown 3–4 minutes per side. Remove excess sausage to prevent crowding if needed.
3
Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and red pepper and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
4
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer 3 minutes.
5
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2–3 minutes. Adjust with reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
6
Return browned sausage to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss over low heat 1–2 minutes until coated. Season with black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve with extra Parmesan.
💡
Pro Tips

For a lighter version use half-and-half, but expect a thinner sauce. Make-ahead tip: undercook pasta by 1–2 minutes, toss with a little olive oil, and reheat in the sauce. Leftovers keep 3 days refrigerated; add a splash of milk when reheating.

🥗 Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 720 kcal
Protein 28g
Total Fat 38g
Saturated Fat 17g
Carbs 68g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 1150mg
Cholesterol 140mg

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