Zesty Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight Recipe for Spice Lovers

Sizzling spices dance through this mouthwatering cajun sausage pasta delight recipe that brings New Orleans straight to your dinner table.

Hearty andouille sausage adds a fiery kick to every twirling forkful of perfectly cooked pasta.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly with creamy sauce and tender vegetables, creating a meal that sparks excitement at first bite.

Each ingredient tells a story of robust southern cooking traditions.

The combination of smoky sausage and zesty seasonings promises a culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this vibrant, soul-warming dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Start With These for Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Andouille Sausage: Brings smoky, spicy Cajun flavor with robust meaty texture, choose pre-cooked sausage for quick preparation and authentic Louisiana taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy finish, select freshly grated for superior melting and intense umami profile.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Provide sweet and slightly sharp base notes, pick firm vegetables with vibrant colors for maximum freshness and crunch.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic foundation, select firm bulbs without bruising or sprouting for most potent flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, choose high-quality dried flakes for consistent spice level.

• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, savory liquid base, opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures luxurious, silky sauce texture, select high-fat content cream for superior richness.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tangy, deep tomato essence, pick small cans for freshest flavor.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates smooth cooking and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers signature Louisiana spice blend, select authentic mix or create homemade version.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance overall flavor profile, use freshly ground for maximum potency.

Prep Tool Needed for Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of salted water.
• Large Skillet: Key tool for sautéing sausage, vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing sausage and dicing vegetables.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Whisk: Helps blend chicken broth, cream, and tomato paste smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for measuring Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.

How You’ll Cook Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Save a cup of the starchy water before draining.

• Sausage Sizzle

Brown andouille sausage in a hot skillet, creating crispy edges with zesty Cajun seasoning.

• Veggie Magic

Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same pan, releasing their sweet and smoky flavors. Toss in garlic for an aromatic boost.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Blend chicken broth, cream, and tomato paste into a luxurious sauce that hugs every pasta curve.

• Final Flavor Fusion

Stir in Parmesan cheese, then marry the sausage, pasta, and sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot.

Make It Better: Cajun Sausage Pasta Tweaks & Ideas

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, from mild to wild.
• Swap andouille sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian alternative.

Best Ways to Plate Cajun Sausage Pasta

• Sprinkle Parmesan Perfection: Top the pasta with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty kick that melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
• Herb Fresh Finale: Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a bright, clean flavor and a pop of vibrant green color that makes the meal look restaurant-worthy.
• Heat Level Customization: Keep extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the table so each person can adjust the spice level to their personal preference, making the meal enjoyable for everyone.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the bold Cajun flavors and provide a balanced, satisfying meal that fills up hungry diners.

Keep It Fresh: Cajun Sausage Pasta Storage Tips

• Maximize Meal Prep: Chop all ingredients in advance and store them separately in airtight containers to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.
• Refrigerate and Reheat: Store leftover pasta in an sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze Smart Portions: Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and flavor when thawed and reheated slowly.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: When reheating, stir frequently and add liquid gradually to maintain creamy texture and prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy during the warming process.

Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta Explosion Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Cajun sausage pasta delight combines bold Louisiana flavors with creamy sauce and hearty ingredients. Home cooks discover a quick, satisfying meal that delivers robust southern comfort with minimal preparation effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (12 oz/340 g) package andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
• 12–16 oz (340–454 g) short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Generously salt a large pot of water and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve some starchy cooking liquid before draining, then set pasta aside.
2. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice andouille sausage into even rounds, dust with Cajun spice blend. Crisp sausage until edges turn golden and caramelized, approximately 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Vegetable Medley: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, remaining Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes until vegetables soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Sauce Development: Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the vegetable mixture. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, 5-7 minutes.
5. Final Assembly: Incorporate Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce. Combine cooked pasta and seared sausage, thoroughly coating with creamy mixture. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while bubbling hot, showcasing the bold Cajun-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Sausage Searing Secrets: Ensure andouille sausage develops a deep golden crust by avoiding overcrowding in the skillet and using medium-high heat for maximum flavor development.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning to personal heat tolerance, starting with a conservative amount and gradually increasing for desired kick.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Slowly incorporate reserved pasta water to thin or adjust sauce thickness, creating a luxurious, restaurant-quality texture that clings beautifully to pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg