Print

Creamy Cajun Smoked Sausage Pasta

A white bowl filled with creamy Cajun pasta with smoked sausage slices and green bell peppers.
Print Recipe

Make this rich and spicy Cajun pasta featuring smoked sausage and a creamy sauce. This recipe is simple to prepare for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same skillet. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Return the cooked sausage to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning.
  • You can substitute the smoked sausage with cooked chicken or shrimp for a variation.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend a small portion of the sauce before adding the cream cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/creamy-cajun-pasta-with-smoked-sausage/