Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously spicy, cheesy dish that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy? Look no further than this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! Packed with bold flavors from Cajun seasoning, smoky turkey sausage, and creamy cheeses, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests. The combination of smoked sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy, zesty sauce makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or simply love pasta, this recipe will become your new favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish. From the ingredients to the cooking process, you’ll get the tips and tricks to make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta your go-to dinner recipe. Plus, we’ve included helpful notes to make sure everything turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
To make this creamy, spicy, and cheesy delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta – Penne pasta is perfect for this dish because the sauce clings to it beautifully, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the sausage and veggies to bring out all the flavors.
- 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced – The smoky turkey sausage adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
- 1 small onion, diced – Sweet onions balance out the heat from the Cajun seasoning.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds an aromatic, savory flavor that perfectly complements the Cajun spices.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning – The star of the show! Cajun seasoning brings the signature heat and spiciness that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a smoky depth to the sauce, complementing the spices.
- ½ teaspoon salt – To taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the flavor of the sausage and vegetables.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Provides a savory base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The creamy texture that makes this dish rich and indulgent.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained – Adds a juicy, tangy burst of flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes every bite decadent.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of sharpness to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – For a pop of color and freshness to complete the dish.
Directions for Making Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. You’ll be amazed at how easy and quick it is to create such a flavorful dish!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente — tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Don’t forget to save a small cup of pasta water in case you need it to adjust the sauce later. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta even better!
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies
In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked turkey sausage. Cook the sausage for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This step helps release the smoky flavors of the sausage and adds that crispy texture you’ll love.
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet — you’ll want to use all those flavorful bits left behind!
Next, add the diced onion and diced red bell pepper to the same skillet. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant. The heat will bring out the sweetness of the bell pepper and the savory aroma of the onion.
After the onion and bell pepper are softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Garlic adds a rich, savory depth to the dish and complements the Cajun seasoning perfectly.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to bring in the bold flavors! Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the vegetables and garlic with the spices. This step is where the magic happens, as the spices begin to meld together, creating a rich, aromatic base for your sauce.
Once everything is seasoned to perfection, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can blend and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once your sauce is simmering, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the sausage to heat back up and the flavors to meld. Let the sauce cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
At this point, you’ll start to smell the delicious Cajun spices filling your kitchen! The sauce should be thick and creamy, with a hint of smokiness from the sausage and the spices.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Pasta
It’s time for the cheesy goodness! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheeses will melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is coated in the creamy Cajun sauce, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that will complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Serve your Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta hot and enjoy the bold, cheesy, and spicy flavors that make this dish unforgettable. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
This dish is a good source of protein, thanks to the turkey sausage, and the creamy sauce adds a nice balance of fat and carbs. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can make modifications like using zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of penne pasta.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. If you love heat, feel free to add extra seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
- Use Fresh Sausage: While smoked turkey sausage adds a great flavor, using fresh turkey sausage (or chicken sausage) can add even more moisture and richness to the dish.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and add even more texture to your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta works wonderfully with the creamy sauce, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini would all be great alternatives.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I Freeze Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove. You might need to add a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This dish is already packed with flavor, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more!
Side Dish Ideas
- Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the classic combo of pasta and garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky bread will be perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add a healthy, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta.
Beverage Pairings
To complement the spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning, try pairing your meal with a refreshing lemon iced tea or a light sparkling water with lime. If you prefer wine, a chilled Chardonnay would pair well with the creamy sauce and smoky sausage.
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these related recipes:
- Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta
- Bacon Cheeseburger Crescent Casserole
- Creamy Chicken & Smoked Sausage Alfredo Skillet
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the perfect recipe when you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and a little bit spicy. With tender pasta, smoky sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try today and enjoy the bold, comforting flavors in every bite!
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Easy Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta – Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the smoky flavor of turkey sausage with creamy, cheesy goodness. A perfect balance of spice and flavor, it’s sure to become your new go-to dinner recipe!
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:
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the Sausage and Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked turkey sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Season and Simmer:
Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer. -
Combine Everything:
Return the sausage to the skillet and stir everything to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors together. -
Add Cheese and Pasta:
Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add cooked pasta, tossing until it’s fully coated in the sauce. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve your creamy Cajun sausage pasta hot!
Notes
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spiciness.
- You can substitute smoked turkey sausage with any other sausage variety of your choice.
- Add extra cheese if you want a richer, creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, spicy pasta recipes, smoked turkey sausage pasta, creamy pasta dinner, Cajun pasta recipe