Description

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender penne pasta with smoky sausage and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and diced tomatoes, perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices to give it a delightful kick. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances spice and creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

pasta

12 oz penne pasta

sausage and seasoning

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil

sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes

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Instructions

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the pasta aside.
Brown sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until the edges are browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Add seasoning and tomatoes: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the browned sausage and stir to coat evenly. Then add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Make creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta in the creamy Cajun sausage sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley for freshness.

Notes

You can substitute smoked sausage with Andouille sausage for a more pronounced Cajun flavor.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.