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Andouille Sausage Pasta Cajun Style

andouille sausage pasta cajun style - featured image
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A creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring smoky andouille sausage, penne pasta, and a flavorful Cajun-inspired sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth (180 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove sausage from pan and set aside, leaving oil and drippings in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  5. Return browned sausage to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together so the sauce coats every piece. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor. Cook sausage until browned for best smoky flavor. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Adjust seasoning lightly as sausage and Parmesan add saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: andouille sausage, Cajun pasta, creamy pasta, spicy sausage pasta, penne pasta, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/andouille-sausage-pasta-cajun-style-recipe-5-easy-steps-to-perfect-flavor/