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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe with Parmesan

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A creamy, smoky pasta dinner featuring browned sausage, colorful vegetables, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. This comforting skillet meal serves four and is ready in about 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces (225 g) Penne or other short pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 12 ounces (340 g) Smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 medium Medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy cream
Finishing
  • 1/2 cup (about 50 g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons, optional Fresh parsley, chopped
  • As needed Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, and drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the sliced sausage for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, then transfer it to a plate if the skillet is crowded.
  3. Cook the diced onion and red bell pepper for 4–6 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and Cajun seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened; do not let it boil hard.
  6. Return the sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta and Parmesan. Toss over low heat or off the heat until coated, adding reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if needed.
  7. Taste before adding salt, then finish with black pepper and parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Cajun seasoning blends vary in salt and heat, so season gradually and taste at the end. Add Parmesan over low heat or off the heat for a smooth sauce. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat gently with a small splash of broth or cream.