Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

• One Pot Dinner Recipe - The entire recipe is made in just one pot making clean up a breeze.
• 30 Minute Meal - Get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
• The Amazing Flavor - Creamy Cajun Pasta is a restaurant quality dish packed full of bold flavors that will have your family asking for this dinner over and over again.
• Andouille Sausage - This sausage is precooked and only needs to be heated making this a very easy dinner recipe.
• Pasta Recipe - A pasta lovers dream recipe!

Cajun food is robust, rustic comfort food that is typically found along the bayous of Louisiana. It's a combination of French and Southern cuisines.

Try my Cajun Wings recipe and explore the world of Cajun cooking.

Ingredients:

Andouille Sausage - This type of smoked pork sausage has a distinct spicy (but not too spicy) taste.

Pasta - Any type of pasta works great for this recipe. Here I use bow tie, but penne pasta, spiral or even spaghetti will work great.

Diced Tomatoes - I prefer petite diced tomatoes.

Cajun Seasoning Blend - Check out my Cajun Spice recipe to make a homemade blend or use a creole seasoning you already have in the pantry.

Onion - For this recipe I used white onion sliced thin, but red onion would also be delicious.

Red Bell Pepper - Remove the seeds and slice thin.

Heavy Whipping Cream – Half and half or even 4 oz of cream cheese would be a great substitute for the cream.

Parmesan Cheese - Do yourself a favor and grate the cheese from a block. The cheese in a green can gives the sauce a powder like texture.

Garlic - If you don't have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

Red Pepper Flakes - Completely optional, but if you want to kick up the heat a little garnish with red pepper flakes.

This recipe is quick, easy, takes minimal effort and tastes delicious! It’s a great way to have a hearty dinner without having to be in the kitchen all day!

In this homemade spice blend you will find:

• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Black Pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Salt
• Cayenne Pepper

• In a large skillet saute andouille sausage over medium-high heat and sear on both sides.

• Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
• To the same pan add the onions, peppers, 2 tbsp Cajun spice blend and garlic. Cook for 3 - 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Be sure to get all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pan while the vegetables are cooking.

• Next, add the petite diced tomatoes and simmer for 3- 5 minutes.

• Now add chicken broth and pasta to the pan.

• Cover and bring to a boil.
• Turn the heat down and let the pasta simmer for 12 - 15 minutes. Stir the pasta every 2 - 3 minutes to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Most all of the liquid will be gone when the pasta is done.
• Once the pasta is tender (I prefer pasta just past al dente), return the sausage to the pan.
• Add the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low-heat until the sauce begins to thicken and all the ingredients are incorporated.

• Top with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you wish. Serve immediately.

Once opened and resealed it will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 - 4 months in the freezer.

You can also substitute with kielbasa sausage or spicy Italian sausage.

Serve this creamy pasta with a simple salad or garlic toast.

If you make this recipe, please let me know! I'd love to hear how it turned out in the comments below.