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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 97 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender penne pasta with spicy Cajun turkey sausage and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness with simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Cajun-style turkey sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun turkey sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
  5. Combine pasta and sausage: Add the cooked penne pasta and browned sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use turkey sausage for a leaner option; you can substitute with pork sausage if preferred.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted or substituted with basil or chives.
  • Parmesan cheese enhances richness—feel free to add more for extra cheesiness.