Description
Dive into a plate of Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight, a mouth-watering dish that marries the zest and spices of Cajun cuisine with creamy, comforting pasta. This recipe features spicy andouille sausage, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and a medley of colorful bell peppers, all tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for anyone looking to jazz up their dinner routine, this dish offers a delectable twist on traditional pasta.
Ingredients
- 12-16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 (12 ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, and keep the pasta aside without rinsing.
2. Sauté the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sliced andouille sausage with 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate or bowl.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions and bell peppers along with the remaining Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce
Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta and crispy sausage. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
Servings & Preparation Time
Servings: 4-6 people
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly warm, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.
Conclusion
Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight is an enticing dish that packs a punch with bold flavors and creamy textures, making it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Its combination of spicy sausage, vibrant peppers, and a silky sauce ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser that leaves you satisfied. Give this dish a try and bring a bit of Louisiana flair to your kitchen table!
PrintCajun Sausage Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 people 1x
Description
Dive into a plate of Cajun Sausage Pasta Delight, a mouth-watering dish that marries the zest and spices of Cajun cuisine with creamy, comforting pasta. This recipe features spicy andouille sausage, a rich creamy tomato sauce, and a medley of colorful bell peppers, all tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for anyone looking to jazz up their dinner routine, this dish offers a delectable twist on traditional pasta.
Ingredients
- 12–16 ounces short cut pasta (like penne), gluten-free if needed
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 (12 ounce) package andouille sausage, sliced on the bias
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium bell peppers, any color, diced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it to al dente according to the package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining, and keep the pasta aside without rinsing.
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sliced andouille sausage with 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside on a plate or bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onions and bell peppers along with the remaining Cajun seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, then toss in the cooked pasta and crispy sausage. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes