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- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 pound spicy Italian sausage - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 bell pepper (red or green) - 1 small onion - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning - Salt and freshly ground pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped - Olive oil for cooking Gather these ingredients to make your creamy Cajun pasta with sausage. The pasta serves as the base, soaking up all the rich sauce. Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while heavy cream makes the dish creamy and smooth. Chicken broth helps to blend the flavors together, and Parmesan cheese gives it that delicious finish. For veggies, a bell pepper and onion offer sweetness and texture. Garlic brings in a warm aroma. Cajun seasoning gives that distinctive spicy flavor. Salt and pepper season everything to perfection. You can also add fresh parsley for a pop of color and olive oil to sauté your ingredients. With these ingredients ready, you’re set for a flavorful dinner dish that’s fun to make and even better to eat! - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook pasta until al dente. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This helps enhance the pasta's flavor. Once the water boils, add your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. Follow the package instructions, usually about 8 to 12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Save a little pasta water in case you need it later to adjust the sauce. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Brown the sausage slices. In a large skillet, pour in olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced spicy Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You'll want the sausage to turn a nice golden brown. This step adds great flavor to the dish. After it's cooked, use a slotted spoon to lift the sausage out and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté vegetables in the sausage drippings. - Add Cajun seasoning, cream, and broth. - Thicken sauce over medium heat. In the same skillet, with all the tasty drippings, add diced bell pepper and chopped onion. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they're tender. Then, toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This creates a wonderful aroma. Next, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, mixing it well with the veggies. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This step allows the sauce to thicken up nicely. - Stir in Parmesan cheese. - Combine with sausage. - Mix in cooked pasta. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and makes the sauce creamy. Now, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Mix it all together until well combined. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! To make your sauce just right, you can adjust the Cajun seasoning. If you like spice, add more. If you prefer mild, use less. The key is to taste as you go. This helps you find the flavor you love. Using reserved pasta water is another great trick. When you drain your pasta, save a little water. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of this water. It helps to make your sauce creamy and smooth. When cooking the sausage, avoid overcooking it. If you cook it too long, it can dry out. Aim for a nice brown color in about 5-7 minutes. Also, ensure your pasta is not mushy. Cook it until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This makes your dish more enjoyable and keeps the texture nice. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and flavor. Sprinkle some on top right before serving. It makes your dish look fancy and fresh. For serving, pair this pasta with a simple salad or crusty bread. These sides balance the meal and add a nice crunch. Enjoy your beautiful dinner! {{image_4}} You can switch out the spicy Italian sausage for chicken or shrimp. Chicken adds a mild taste. Shrimp cooks quickly and gives a nice twist. If you want less heat, try non-spicy sausage. It brings the same texture without the kick. For a vegetarian option, replace sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based protein. Mushrooms give a meaty flavor and texture. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach makes the dish colorful and healthy. This keeps the creamy feel while being meat-free. To make this dish dairy-free, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness and richness. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance. To keep your creamy Cajun pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors intact. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, it stays safe and tasty. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat for the best texture. Add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to avoid burning. If you use the microwave, cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Enjoy your delicious creamy Cajun pasta just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can make creamy Cajun pasta ahead of time. Here are some meal prep tips: - Cook the pasta: You can cook the pasta and store it separately. - Prepare the sauce: Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. - Combine before serving: When ready to eat, heat the sauce and mix it with the pasta. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft. If you want to reduce the heat, here are some tips: - Choose mild sausage: Use a mild Italian sausage instead of spicy. - Adjust Cajun seasoning: Start with half a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and taste it. - Add dairy: Mixing in more cream or cheese can cool down the heat. These changes help balance the flavors while keeping it tasty. Pair creamy Cajun pasta with these sides: - Garlic bread: It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Mixed green salad: Add a light vinaigrette for freshness. - Roasted vegetables: They add color and nutrients to your meal. These sides complement the rich flavors well. To reheat without losing texture, follow these steps: - Use low heat: Heat on the stove over low heat. - Add liquid: Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. - Avoid the microwave: Microwaving can make it dry out. These methods keep your pasta delicious and creamy. This blog post guides you through making a delicious creamy Cajun pasta dish. We covered key ingredients, simple steps, and thoughtful tips. You can customize it with different proteins or even make a vegetarian version. Proper storage and reheating advice ensure your leftovers taste great. Embrace these methods to enjoy a cozy meal that fits your taste. Cooking can be easy and fun, so dive in and make this flavorful dish your own!

Creamy Cajun Pasta With Sausage

Indulge in the flavors of the South with this creamy Cajun pasta with spicy sausage! This easy-to-follow recipe brings together tender pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce, all seasoned with zesty Cajun spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Click through to discover how to whip up this delicious dish that your family will love. Enjoy a taste of Louisiana at home!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound spicy Italian sausage, sliced into rounds

1 bell pepper (choose from red or green), diced

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust for spiciness)

1 cup heavy cream (for richness)

1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for a creamy finish)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-12 minutes). Once cooked, drain in a colander and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need it later to loosen the sauce.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet, placing it on a plate, and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet (with the leftover juices from the sausage), add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, and stir to coat the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing everything well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

          Add Cheese and Sausage: Reduce the heat to low, and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine all the elements.

            Mix with Pasta: Carefully add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and sausage mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

              Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve immediately while hot.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4