If you’re a fan of spicy, savory, and creamy dishes, then you are in for a treat! Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of bold flavors and comforting pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a family-friendly meal, this recipe hits the spot every time. With a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, perfectly seasoned Cajun sausage, and your choice of pasta, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of creating this delicious Cajun sausage pasta from start to finish. Get ready for a flavor explosion that is creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible!
Why Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta?
When you combine smoked sausage, Cajun seasoning, and garlic butter sauce, you get a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick of heat and a layer of complexity, while the garlic butter sauce provides richness and smoothness, making this pasta the perfect comfort food with a spicy twist.
Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the savory sausage, creating a balanced dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
Here’s a breakdown of why this recipe is a must-try:
- Spicy and savory combo: The Cajun seasoning gives this dish a fantastic spicy kick that perfectly complements the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Hearty and filling: The pasta and sausage make this a satisfying, hearty meal that’s sure to leave you full and happy.
- Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious homemade meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or using a milder sausage.
Now, let’s dive into the details of this flavorful and satisfying Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe.
Ingredients for Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta
To make Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients. These ingredients are simple, easy to find at any grocery store, and are packed with flavor:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti): This is your base, and both penne and spaghetti work perfectly for this recipe. Choose the pasta shape you love or have on hand.
For the Cajun Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced): The smoked sausage is the star of this dish. It adds a nice savory depth and a slight smokiness that pairs perfectly with the Cajun seasoning. If you want a little extra heat, you can use spicy sausage.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps brown the sausage and adds flavor.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for creating that deliciously fragrant butter sauce. It’s one of the key flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The butter gives the sauce its richness and silky smooth texture. Always use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps thin it out to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan brings in a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for seasoning the sauce and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
The first step in making Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but make sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will be useful for adjusting the consistency of the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the sausage. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pan and cook until browned and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The sausage will release its juices, and as it cooks, it will develop a nice crispy exterior.
Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet where the sausage was cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté it over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can create a bitter taste.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Now it’s time to make the garlic butter sauce that will coat your pasta. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the garlic and let it melt. Once melted, add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the sausage and garlic.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the dish gets its bold, flavorful kick. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sausage
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, and then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the sausage and pasta are evenly coated with the rich garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and make sure it coats the pasta beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to serve your Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta (approximately 4 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
This recipe is both hearty and satisfying, and at only 500 calories per serving, it’s a great balance of indulgence and nutrition. If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor but won’t break the calorie bank, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Tips and Variations for Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you love spicy food, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning to make the dish even hotter. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage.
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Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the dish. Sauté them along with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
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Use Different Pasta: While penne and spaghetti work best for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Try fettuccine or rigatoni for a different twist!
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Make It Spicy: If you like a bit more heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions for Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta
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As a Main Dish: Serve this flavorful pasta as the star of your meal. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete dinner.
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As a Side Dish: If you’re serving this dish as a side, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or even seafood.
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Meal Prep: This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Meal That Delivers Every Time
Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a dish that’s full of bold flavors and creamy goodness. The combination of spicy Cajun sausage and smooth garlic butter sauce makes for a meal that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- One-Skillet Creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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The Best Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect mix of spicy, savory, and creamy. The smoky sausage paired with a smooth, flavorful garlic butter sauce creates a meal that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the butter to the skillet and melt it. Once melted, add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your spicy and creamy Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta!
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- For a creamier texture, feel free to add extra heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, garlic butter sausage pasta, sausage pasta, spicy sausage pasta, easy pasta recipe, Cajun pasta recipe