Incredible Cajun Sausage Pasta: The Best Weeknight Dinner

When you crave a dish with a little heat, a lot of flavor, and incredible creaminess, nothing hits the spot quite like a good **cajun sausage pasta**. This recipe is the perfect weeknight solution for a busy family, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a culinary journey to the heart of Louisiana, blending rich and spicy Cajun flavors with a silky cream sauce that coats every piece of pasta and sausage. This dish has a cult following for a reason—it’s simple to make but tastes complex and indulgent.

The beauty of this **cajun sausage pasta** lies in its versatility. It can be made with or without shrimp, chicken, or other additions, but the core combination of pasta and savory sausage is always a winner. The sausage, whether it’s andouille or another smoked variety, provides a deep, smoky flavor and a hint of spice that is characteristic of Cajun cuisine. The cream sauce, made with a simple blend of broth, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning, tames the heat while adding a luxurious texture. This makes it a great entry point into Cajun cooking for those who might be new to the cuisine.

A simple yet impactful way to elevate this dish is by properly toasting your spices. Adding the Cajun seasoning to the pot with the sausage and vegetables allows the spices to bloom, releasing their full aroma and flavor before the cream is added. This simple step ensures that every bite is bursting with the bold flavors you expect from a great **cajun pasta with sausage**. The result is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that can easily become a weekly staple in your dinner rotation because it’s quick to prepare and universally loved.

For those who love to customize their meals, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily create a **cajun shrimp and sausage pasta** by adding a handful of shrimp to the pan after the vegetables are cooked. The shrimp cook quickly and absorb all the wonderful flavors. Similarly, a **cajun chicken and sausage pasta** can be created by adding pre-cooked shredded chicken along with the sausage, bulking up the meal and adding more lean protein.

This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken from another meal, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and reducing food waste. This versatility is one of the many reasons why this is one of my go-to recipes. No matter what combination you choose, the outcome is always delicious.

The key to a truly great **cajun sausage alfredo** is a rich, creamy sauce that doesn’t split. By creating a quick roux and slowly whisking in the heavy cream and broth, you can achieve a perfectly smooth and thick sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. This process is very simple and only takes a few minutes, but it makes a huge difference in the final texture of the dish. For an extra boost of flavor, you can finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of fresh parsley.

This simple garnishing step adds freshness and a nice visual contrast, making the dish look as good as it tastes. For a similar comforting and savory meal, be sure to check out our Marry Me Chicken Soup. If you need more dinner ideas, a great place to look for inspiration is The New York Times Cooking.

Ingredients for Cajun Sausage Pasta

The foundation of this pasta dish is a perfect balance of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. Each ingredient works in harmony to create the bold, satisfying flavor profile. Using good-quality smoked sausage is key to getting that authentic Cajun taste. The full list of **cajun pasta with sausage ingredients** is simple and can be easily adjusted to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or bow tie)
• 1 lb smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (one red, one green), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

How to Make Cajun Sausage Pasta

Making **cajun sausage pasta** is a quick and satisfying process. The dish comes together in three main steps: cooking the pasta, browning the sausage and vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce. By working on these steps simultaneously, you can have a delicious and impressive dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This efficient process makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove the sausage and set it aside. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
3. Create the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the seasoned vegetables and stir to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly. Stir in the heavy cream. If you are adding shrimp, add them now and cook until they turn pink.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

FAQs About Cajun Sausage Pasta

what molly made cajun sausage pasta

There is a popular recipe for Cajun sausage pasta shared by chef Molly Baz in her cookbook. The recipe is known for its simplicity and bold flavors, often featuring andouille sausage, a creamy sauce, and a mix of bell peppers and onions to create a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that can be easily adapted.

how to make cajun pasta with shrimp and sausage

To make Cajun pasta with shrimp and sausage, simply follow the main recipe. Sauté the sausage and vegetables first. After creating the sauce base, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Then, stir in the cooked pasta and sausage to combine all the ingredients.

how to make cajun sausage pasta

To make cajun sausage pasta, begin by cooking pasta. In a skillet, brown sliced andouille sausage, then cook diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir in flour and Cajun seasoning, then slowly whisk in broth and heavy cream to form a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and sausage to combine, and serve.

how to make cajun shrimp and sausage pasta

To make cajun shrimp and sausage pasta, cook the pasta first. In a large skillet, cook sliced sausage until browned, then remove. Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic in the same pan. Add Cajun seasoning and flour, then whisk in broth and cream. Add the shrimp and cooked sausage back to the pan, and simmer until the shrimp are cooked through. Finally, stir in the cooked pasta to combine everything.

how to make shrimp sausage cajun alfredo pasta

To make a shrimp, sausage, and Cajun Alfredo pasta, follow the same steps as a standard Cajun pasta but with an emphasis on a richer, creamier sauce. After sautéing the sausage, shrimp, and vegetables, create a classic Alfredo base by reducing cream and adding Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Then, combine the pasta and protein into the rich Alfredo sauce to finish the dish.

Conclusion

This **cajun sausage pasta** is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Its quick preparation and delicious results make it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation, proving that you don’t need a lot of time to create a meal that will be loved by everyone at the table.

Whether you choose to stick to the classic sausage and pasta combination or add shrimp or chicken, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the bold flavors and creamy texture of this delicious and easy **cajun sausage pasta**!