why make this recipe
Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors to your table. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and colorful veggies, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to feed your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
how to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and Cajun seasoning; cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the penne pasta and enough water or broth to cover the pasta, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
how to serve Cajun Sausage Pasta
Serve Cajun Sausage Pasta hot right from the pot. You can enjoy it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Sprinkle extra cheese or fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.
how to store Cajun Sausage Pasta
If you have leftovers, store Cajun Sausage Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
tips to make Cajun Sausage Pasta
- You can use any type of pasta you like, but penne holds the sauce well.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to fit your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, try using turkey sausage.
variation
You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based protein or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you enjoy, such as chicken or turkey sausage.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free penne pasta for this recipe.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook it when you are ready to serve. Just store the chopped vegetables and sausage in the fridge until you are ready to start.
Cajun Sausage Pasta
Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot meal featuring spicy sausage, creamy sauce, and colorful veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta (You can use any type of pasta you like.)
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (sliced) (You can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter version, try using less heavy cream.)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust the amount to fit your spice preference.)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) (Use diced tomatoes with juice.)
- 1 ea bell pepper (chopped) (You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.)
- 1 ea onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Olive oil (For cooking the sausage and veggies.)
- for garnish Fresh parsley
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Cooking
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and Cajun seasoning; cook for about 2 minutes.
- Add the penne pasta and enough water or broth to cover the pasta, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread. You can sprinkle extra cheese or fresh parsley on top for added flavor.
