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This one pot Cajun Pasta Recipe is so easy to make and so delicious, you'll want to make it all the time. Andouille sausage, fresh veggies and a spicy, creamy sauce make this under 30 minute meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Guuuuuuys....I know it's summer, but this rich and creamy Cajun Pasta is my new favorite (but this Cajun shrimp and sausage pasta is a close rival). Well, it's not really new, I've been making it for years, but I've revived it.
This Cajun sausage pasta is better than most of the things in life. Just sayin'. And it's made in one pot. It's easy, creamy, spicy, and oh so ultra comforting.
So who cares if it's 90 degrees outside? This Cajun Pasta recipe is good whether it's 20 degrees or 100 degrees, in my opinion. Spicy Andouille sausage, green peppers, onions and tomatoes, and a wonderfully spicy and rich cream sauce all over a bed of pasta.
Yum. You want this pasta. I promise. And if you like this, guys, for sure you will love this spicy chicken pasta!
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The Ingredients
The ingredients should be easy to find at your local market:
- Andouille sausage
- green peppers
- onion
- white wine
- diced tomatoes
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- pepper
- Cajun/Creole seasoning
- Penne pasta
What is Andouille Sausage?
Andouille sausage is a pork sausage, typically mixed with spicy peppers and seasonings used commonly in many Cajun dishes. Due to it's strong flavor, it is used to add flavor in a lot of cases. And boy does it add flavor!
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is typically a mix of garlic, onion, season salt, oregano, cayenne, paprika and salt. If you want to learn how to make your own Cajun seasoning (making your own is always better) try this Cajun Seasoning Recipe.
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Why This Recipe Works
- The andouille sausage adds a spicy, smoky quality to the pasta;
- The creamy sauce has the perfect amount of spice to complement the richness;
- It only takes 30 minutes to make, so it's the perfect weeknight meal.
Step By Step Instructions
Cook the penne to al dente according to the instructions on the box.
Heat a skillet over medium high heat and brown the sausage until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onion and green pepper and stir fry for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine.
Cook until the wine is absorbed then add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Cajun seasoning.
Add the cream, cover and simmer until reduced for about 10-15 minutes (depending on desired thickness).
Add the penne pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pasta is tender and cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Now, try not to spoon it right out of the pan. I had to fight the boyfriend off to even get these photos. It's that good.
Expert Tips
- For less spice, add less Cajun seasoning. If you add less Cajun seasoning, you may need to add additional salt to taste.
- Browning the sausage first helps to add a rich flavor to the dish. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but I highly recommend doing it for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente (not fully cooked) - it will finish cooking in the sauce. I recommend taking about 2 minutes off the package cook time.
Variations
- If you want to add a seafood component to this dish, add some fresh shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- You can also add chicken if you'd like additional protein. I recommend dicing up chicken thighs and browning them with the sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Cajun Pasta last? It should last in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can you freeze Cajun pasta? While it can be frozen, I don't recommend it. The consistency can become very mushy and the sauce lumpy. If you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
Serving Options
- Start with this Blackened Shrimp Salad and/or this Creamy Crawfish Bisque;
- Crispy Cajun Wings or Crawfish Egg Rolls are also a great appetizer;
- Serve it with Hushpuppies or air fryer garlic bread;
- Quell that sweet tooth with this Easy Peach Cobbler (and I mean easy) or this no bake Lemon Chiffon Pie.
More Cajun Recipes
- Crawfish Pie;
- Sausage Quiche;
- Blackened Catfish;
- Chicken Etouffee;
- New Orleans Red Gravy;
- Browse ALL the Cajun Recipes!!
Did you make this Cajun Pasta recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces andouille sausage cut in bite size pieces
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces Penne rigata cooked according to package instructions
- 1-2 teaspoons Cajun/Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the penne according to the instructions on the box. Pasta should be cooked al dente. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausage until caramelized on the outside.
- Add the onion and green pepper and cook for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Add the white wine and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Cook until the wine is absorbed then add the tomatoes and chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the Cajun seasoning and black pepper.
- Add the cream, cover, and simmer until reduced, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes, until sauce is thickened and pasta is cooked through.
Expert Tips:
- For less spice, add less Cajun seasoning. If you add less Cajun seasoning, you may need to add additional salt to taste.
- Browning the sausage first helps to add a rich flavor to the dish. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but I highly recommend doing it for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta al dente (not fully cooked) - it will finish cooking in the sauce. I recommend taking about 2 minutes off the package cook time.
- If the sauce is too thick, add additional cream or chicken stock until it reaches a desired consistency.
Anne K
Did you really mean to say that the penne will cook in 2 - 3 minutes? This looks incredibly yummy and I'm absolutely going to make it, but that cannot be right???
Danielle
I apologize, I updated the recipe to say the penne should be cooked according to the package instructions first. When you add the cooked penne to the sauce, that is when you are cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. The recipe should be clearer now!
Heidy L. McCallum
Glad you added the tips to this wonderful Cajun Inspired Pasta we could all use them! Trust me I love when someone takes the time to share their tips and tricks as it makes the recipe much easier to follow.
Danielle
Thanks Heidy!
Sylvie
Pasta is my favourite mid-week dish and the fact that this recipe is all made in one pot - it makes it even better for a quick yet delicious meal!
Danielle
Thanks Sylvia!
Demeter
This one pot meal is fully loaded!! So much goodness and perfect for Fall.
Danielle
Thanks Demeter!
Julia
This sounds delicious. Can't wait to give it a go!
Danielle
Thanks Julia!