If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy, then this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. This recipe perfectly balances the smoky, slightly spicy kick of andouille sausage with tender gluten-free penne pasta, all bathed in a luscious cream cheese sauce infused with Cajun seasoning. With colorful bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of fire-roasted tomatoes, every bite bursts with satisfying texture and bold flavor. Trust me, once you try this creamy, spice-packed pasta, it’ll be a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe is in how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component plays its part in bringing together the perfect harmony of spice, creaminess, and freshness. You’ll be amazed at how these straightforward ingredients transform into a comforting flavor sensation.
- Andouille sausage: The smoky, spicy sausage is the star that brings authenticity and boldness to the dish.
- Fresh baby bella mushrooms: Add an earthy depth and meaty texture that balances the sausages.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: These brighten the dish with a sweet crunch and vivid color.
- Garlic cloves: A must-have, garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth.
- Gluten-free penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce while being tender but firm.
- Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: Bring a subtle smoky tang and a little acidity to cut through the creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Creates the base for the sauce and helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
- No-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning: Packs the characteristic bold spices without overpowering the dish.
- Cream cheese: Melts into a silky, luscious sauce that coats all the ingredients beautifully.
- Salt to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh Italian parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, for an extra touch of heat and color.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Andouille Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and searing your sliced andouille sausage medallions. Cooking them until they develop a lovely crisp on each side renders out rich, flavorful oils that will season the entire dish. Once golden and fragrant, remove the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate but be sure to keep that incredible sausage oil in the pan – it’s pure magic.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet with the reserved sausage oil, toss in the mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté these fresh ingredients for about three minutes, letting the mushrooms brown slightly and the peppers soften just enough to release their natural sweetness. This step builds a fresh, aromatic base that gives the dish so much character.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Tomatoes, Broth, and Cajun Seasoning
Now it’s time to add the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and the no-salt Cajun seasoning directly into the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the elements, ensuring the pasta begins absorbing those deeply flavorful liquids right away. This one-pan method keeps everything simple and ensures intense flavors.
Step 4: Simmer the Pasta
Cover the skillet and bring the broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. Give the pasta a gentle stir every few minutes to keep it from sticking and to evenly distribute the flavors. You want the pasta to reach that perfect al dente texture soaked in that savory broth.
Step 5: Melt in the Cream Cheese
Break the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet. It will slowly melt and thicken the liquid, creating the signature creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every penne and veggie strand. This step transforms the dish from a spicy broth base to a rich, indulgent dinner that feels cozy and satisfying.
Step 6: Add Back the Sausage and Finish Seasoning
Return the seared andouille sausage medallions to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the sausage is heated through and the seasoning is balanced. Adjust with salt as needed. This final mix blends all those bold and creamy elements into one harmonious dish ready to be devoured.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley and, if you like an extra kick, a dash of red pepper flakes before serving. These bright touches bring freshness and a pop of color that elevate the entire plate. Now you’re ready to enjoy a creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh Italian parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous contrast to the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes amps up the heat just right for those who love it spicy. Don’t skip these simple garnishes as they brighten the dish and improve each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or crusty gluten-free bread is perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate — a total crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with a few sausage medallions fanned out on top. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and scatter extra parsley and red pepper flakes artistically. Individual servings in small cast iron skillets bring a rustic charm that’s bound to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually meld even more after sitting, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, though the cream cheese sauce may slightly change in texture once thawed. Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the creamy texture returns nicely.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! Regular pasta works perfectly in this recipe, so feel free to use your favorite kind if gluten isn’t a concern. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers.
How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes or choosing a milder sausage.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with another dairy?
Cream cheese lends a unique creaminess and tang; however, you can substitute with mascarpone or a mixture of cream and grated cheese to keep the sauce rich and smooth.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! This recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store in portion-sized containers for quick and flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I add to increase the vegetable content?
Feel free to bulk up the recipe with extras like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Add these during the sauté step or simmering stage depending on the vegetable to maintain texture and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe that it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s fast enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests, combining bold Cajun spices with silky creaminess and fresh veggies in one satisfying dish. Go ahead and dive into this delightful pasta experience — your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe combines smoky andouille sausage, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic with gluten-free penne pasta all simmered in a flavorful spicy tomato broth. Cream cheese adds a luscious, velvety finish, making this a rich and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of creaminess and heat.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the medallions on both sides until they develop a slight crisp, about 4 minutes total, helping to render flavorful sausage oil. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the sausage oil in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the retained sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown and the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning mix. Combine gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and cooked al dente.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Break the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until completely melted, forming a thick and creamy sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.
- Combine Sausage: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet, season with salt to taste, and stir well to combine and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of the creamy Cajun sausage pasta.
Notes
- Using gluten-free pasta keeps this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.
- Andouille sausage provides authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or smoked sausage can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
