Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Creamy Cajun sausage pasta became a regular in my kitchen after a trip to New Orleans where I fell in love with bold smoky flavors and rich spicy sauces. When I got home I couldn’t stop thinking about this creamy pasta I had with grilled sausage and Cajun spices so I decided to recreate it my own way and it turned out even better than I remembered.

Now this is one of those recipes I reach for when I want something quick and packed with flavor because the Cajun seasoning brings heat the sausage adds depth and the cream ties everything together beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took all day to make but really comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Here’s everything I use to make this creamy Cajun sausage pasta:

• Smoked sausage – Adds a bold smoky flavor and satisfying bite
• Fettuccine or linguine – Perfect for catching every drop of sauce
• Heavy cream – The base for the rich and velvety sauce
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and flavor
• Cajun seasoning – Brings the heat and the signature flavor
• Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for creamy salty richness
• Butter – Helps sauté the garlic and boosts flavor
• Salt – Enhances and balances the dish
• Black pepper – Adds a little spice and sharpness
• Parsley – For freshness and a pop of color at the end

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To cook the pasta to al dente perfection
• Skillet – For browning the sausage and making the sauce
• Tongs – To mix the pasta gently with the creamy sauce
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing sausage and chopping parsley
• Cheese grater – For freshly shredded Parmesan
• Measuring spoons – To get the Cajun spice just right

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then cook the fettuccine until it’s al dente. I always save about a cup of the pasta water before draining in case I want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta is boiling I slice the smoked sausage into coins and sear them in a hot skillet with a little butter. I cook until both sides are golden and slightly crispy then set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet I melt a bit more butter and sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. I love how the garlic soaks up the sausage flavor left behind in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Next I pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning. I bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

I add the cooked pasta and browned sausage into the skillet and use tongs to toss it all together. If the sauce feels too thick I add a little reserved pasta water to smooth it out.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

I taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt pepper or Cajun spice then I garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve it hot.

Tips

Use andouille sausage for extra Cajun flavor if you can find it

Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist

If you want it spicier add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes

Don’t skip reserving the pasta water – it makes the sauce silky

Leftovers reheat great with a splash of cream or milk in a skillet

Ways to Serve

I love this with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce

A side of roasted veggies or a crisp Caesar salad balances the richness

For a heartier meal serve it with a side of rice or cornbread

Top it with extra Parmesan and black pepper for the full experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken sausage or turkey sausage in creamy Cajun sausage pasta?

Yes! Any sausage works well as long as it’s fully cooked and has bold flavor.

What pasta works best in creamy Cajun sausage pasta?

Fettuccine and linguine are my favorites but penne or rigatoni also work great.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative but the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this recipe?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning. Start with less and add more to taste!

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this creamy Cajun sausage pasta a try because it’s one of those bold comforting dishes that brings the flavor every time. It’s quick it’s rich and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Let me know how you like it and feel free to add your own twist!

Happy Cooking!

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