Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe – Bold & Flavorful Comfort Food!

If you love rich, creamy pasta with a spicy Cajun kick, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is about to become your new favorite! 🌶️🍝

Loaded with smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious Cajun-seasoned sauce, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more! 😍🔥

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
✅ Creamy & Spicy – The best of both worlds in one dish.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes! ⏳
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice, swap proteins, or add veggies!

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🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you need for this creamy, spicy pasta dish:

🥩 For the Pasta & Protein:

✔️ 12 oz pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta 🍝
✔️ 12 oz smoked sausage – Andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo 🌭
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing 🫒
✔️ 3 cloves garlic – Minced for flavor 🧄

🧀 For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

✔️ 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, silky texture 🥛
✔️ 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Adds depth and creaminess 🍗
✔️ 1 cup Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for extra flavor 🧀
✔️ 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – Add more if you love spice! 🌶️
✔️ ½ tsp paprika – Smoky and slightly sweet 🔥
✔️ ½ tsp black pepper – Just a touch for balance
✔️ ½ tsp onion powder – Rounds out the flavor

🥬 Optional Add-ins:

✔️ 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Adds freshness 🍅
✔️ 1 cup spinach – For a healthy boost 🥬
✔️ ½ tsp red pepper flakes – If you love extra heat! 🔥

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
3️⃣ Drain and set aside.

💡 Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed!

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🥩 Step 2: Sauté the Sausage & Garlic

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add sliced sausage and cook until golden brown (3–4 minutes).
3️⃣ Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

💡 Want more flavor? Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste! 🧈

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🧀 Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

1️⃣ Lower the heat to medium and pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
2️⃣ Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and onion powder.
3️⃣ Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

💡 Pro Tip: Want it extra cheesy? Stir in more Parmesan or shredded mozzarella! 🧀

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🍝 Step 4: Combine Everything

1️⃣ Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
2️⃣ Stir in grated Parmesan and mix until creamy.
3️⃣ Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed.

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🌿 Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

1️⃣ Mix in cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra freshness.
2️⃣ Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like extra spice.
3️⃣ Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

💡 Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-quality touch! 🌿🧀

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🍽️ What to Serve with Cajun Sausage Pasta?

This dish is incredible on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, try pairing it with:

🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce! 🧄
🥗 Side Salad – A light, fresh contrast to the rich pasta 🥬
🍷 White Wine – Pairs beautifully with the creamy, spicy flavors 🍾

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

📦 Storing Leftovers:
✔️ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:
✔️ Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of cream.
✔️ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

💡 Avoid drying out! Add a little extra broth or cream while reheating.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! Try these variations:
✔️ Chicken – Swap sausage for grilled or shredded chicken.
✔️ Shrimp – Cajun-seasoned shrimp pairs beautifully! 🍤
✔️ Vegetarian – Use mushrooms or chickpeas instead.

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2️⃣ Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

Yes! Just reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes.

💡 Want it extra spicy? Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper! 🔥

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3️⃣ Can I Use a Different Pasta?

Yes! Any short pasta works well, like:
✔️ Rigatoni
✔️ Fusilli
✔️ Bowtie (Farfalle)

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4️⃣ What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?

✔️ Simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
✔️ Add more Parmesan for extra creaminess.
✔️ Stir in a little cornstarch slurry if needed.

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5️⃣ How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

✔️ Use turkey sausage instead of pork.
✔️ Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream.
✔️ Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

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🍝 Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Cajun Pasta Dish!

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food – rich, spicy, and packed with flavor! 🔥😍

With smoky sausage, creamy Cajun sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is pure heaven.

Try it out and let me know how you liked it! ❤️

Want more easy & delicious recipes? Stay tuned for more mouthwatering dishes! 🍽️✨