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To make spicy Cajun sausage pasta, you need a few key ingredients: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each of these ingredients plays a big role in making your dish flavorful and delicious. Cajun seasoning is a must for this recipe. It adds a bold flavor and a bit of heat. This spice mix often includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Each spice brings its unique taste, making your pasta come alive. You can adjust the amount to fit your spice level. While I use penne pasta, you can try other shapes too. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work well. Choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce nicely. The goal is for each bite to be a mix of sausage, sauce, and pasta. This balance makes the dish satisfying and tasty. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a big pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 lb of spicy Italian sausage, making sure to remove the casings first. Use a spatula to break the sausage into smaller pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Add diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies soften. After that, pour in a can of undrained diced tomatoes. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens. Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Keep cooking on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and mixes well. Serve the pasta hot and top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Enjoy your meal! To change the heat in your spicy Cajun sausage pasta, you have a few options. If you want it milder, choose a sweet Italian sausage. You can also reduce the Cajun seasoning. Adding some cream will tone down the spice too. For more heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. This pasta pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works nicely. Garlic bread adds a crunchy touch. For drinks, try a chilled white wine or lemonade. These pairings balance the dish's richness and spice. Cook the penne pasta al dente for the best texture. This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold sauce better. When browning the sausage, avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps it brown nicely. Stir frequently when cooking the veggies to ensure they soften evenly. Lastly, let the sauce simmer to thicken, but don’t overcook it. This keeps your pasta creamy and delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and presentation. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, consider using a less spicy sausage or reducing the Cajun seasoning. You can always add more spice later if desired. Make it Ahead: This pasta dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving for a quick meal. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the parsley garnish! It adds a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to your finished dish. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version of spicy Cajun sausage pasta, you can replace the sausage. Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also add chickpeas or lentils for protein. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great gluten-free options that cook well and taste good. Just ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well. You can switch some ingredients based on what you have. Here are some ideas: - Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. - If you don’t have Parmesan, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These substitutions still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable. To store your spicy Cajun sausage pasta, wait until it cools. Transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to cover the container tightly. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. It will last in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheating is simple. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it warm up. Stir often to avoid sticking. Heat until it’s hot throughout. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you want to freeze it, do so after cooking. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your spicy Cajun sausage pasta even later! Yes, you can use different types of sausage in this dish. You can try chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet Italian sausage works well too. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to keep the Cajun flavor strong. If you do not have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. These options will make the sauce lighter but still creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream. These will change the flavor slightly, but they can be tasty too. To make this dish less spicy, use mild sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage. You can also reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. Adding more heavy cream or milk can help balance the heat. Serve with a side of bread to cool things down. This spicy Cajun sausage pasta lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Enjoy your leftovers! This blog post covered how to make spicy Cajun sausage pasta. We discussed key ingredients, like Cajun seasoning and the best pasta types. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking each part. You learned tips for spice levels and pairing suggestions. Variations for vegetarian and gluten-free options were also shared. Lastly, we went over storage and reheating tips. In closing, this dish is easy to adapt and delicious. It brings great flavor to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists!

Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A flavorful pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and Cajun seasoning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the spicy Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
  • To the skillet with the sausage, add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
  • Pour the undrained diced tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined, then allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Continue to cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
  • Serve the spicy Cajun sausage pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls for an appealing presentation. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few sprigs of parsley on top for a fresh, inviting look.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, quick meal, sausage