Go Back
To make Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta, you'll need these key items: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 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 pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and spicy dish that bursts with flavor. You can add a few more items to boost flavor and texture: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat - ½ cup spinach for color and nutrients - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness - Creole seasoning for a different spice blend Feel free to mix and match these optional ingredients to suit your taste. To cook this delicious pasta dish, gather these essential tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for the sauce - Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing - Colander for draining pasta - Chef’s knife for chopping ingredients Having these tools ready will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key to flavoring your pasta. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it ready for the sauce. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage. Remove the casings first for easy cooking. Break the sausage apart with a spatula. Cook it until it’s browned, which takes around 5-7 minutes. Now, toss in 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these until the onion is clear and the vegetables are tender. This should take another 5-7 minutes. The smell is amazing! After that, pour in 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. Now it’s time to add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Toss it gently to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly. Heat everything together for an extra 2-3 minutes. Off the heat, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. This adds a creamy touch to your dish. Serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a nice pop of color! Enjoy your meal! To get the best pasta, use salted water. This adds flavor as the pasta cooks. Bring the water to a boil before adding the penne. Cook it until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. You want it to hold its shape when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce stick. Cajun seasoning is key to this dish. It gives the pasta a bold kick. Start with two teaspoons, then taste. If you want more heat, add a bit more. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. It enhances the rich flavor of the sausage. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They can help balance the heat and make the dish sing! You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the sausage and veggies, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready, just heat them up. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture. If you want, you can freeze the sauce. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes dinner quick and easy on busy nights! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the flavor of your dish. Opt for seasonal produce for the best taste. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use a mild Italian sausage instead of spicy. You can also reduce the Cajun seasoning to taste. Perfect Pasta: Ensure your pasta is al dente before mixing it with the sauce. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, absorbing flavors without becoming mushy. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an extra zing. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of spicy Cajun pasta. Use plant-based sausage instead of meat. These sausages bring great flavor without the meat. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Portobello mushrooms work well. They soak up the sauce nicely. Adding more vegetables boosts the flavor and nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can mix in diced tomatoes or corn too. These veggies add color and crunch. Cook them with the sausage or toss them in at the end. It’s a great way to get more vitamins. Different types of sausage can change the dish's flavor. You can use chicken sausage for a lighter taste. Turkey sausage is another option that keeps it lean. If you like heat, try andouille sausage for a kick. Each type adds its unique twist to the pasta. Enjoy experimenting with your choice! To store leftover spicy Cajun sausage pasta, let it cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway. If using a skillet, heat on low. Add a bit of oil or water to prevent sticking. Cook until heated through. Freezing spicy Cajun sausage pasta is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions mentioned earlier. You can use other types of sausage like chicken or turkey. If you want a meatless option, try a plant-based sausage. You can also use diced smoked sausage for a different taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change. Adjust seasonings to match the flavor profile you like. Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options. Just check the label to ensure it fits your needs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always read labels for any hidden gluten in sauces or other items. To lower the heat, use mild sausage instead of spicy. You can also reduce the Cajun seasoning. If you want more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. Always taste as you go, so you get the flavor just right for you! In this blog post, we explored how to make Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We covered the key ingredients and tools to use. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect texture, and variations for everyone. Storing leftovers and reheating them was also discussed. Cooking is about creativity, so don’t hesitate to try new ideas. Enjoy your dish, and make it your own!

Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta

A flavorful pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce.
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 medium 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 pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
  • Pour the undrained diced tomatoes into the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley for added color.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, sausage, spicy