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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 613 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender penne pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with spicy Cajun turkey sausage, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines smoky and spicy flavors with a luscious, cheesy texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Cajun-style turkey sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun-style turkey sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to prevent burning.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
  5. Combine pasta and sausage with sauce: Return the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the creamy Cajun sausage pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use turkey sausage for a leaner alternative to pork sausage without compromising flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control spiciness according to your preference.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan substitute.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente texture will hold better when combined with the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness and a bit of herbaceous contrast to the rich sauce.