Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is packed with smoky, spicy flavor and a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta for a silky and substantial base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil to sauté the sausage and veggies
- 1 pound turkey sausage sliced, lean and flavorful protein
- 1 bell pepper chopped, adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 onion chopped, brings depth and aroma
- 3 cloves garlic minced, essential fragrant punch
- 1 cup heavy cream makes the sauce rich and luscious
- 1 cup chicken broth balances the cream with savory notes
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning the star spice blend for heat and flavor
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, bursts of freshness and color
- Salt and pepper to taste, to enhance all flavors
- Chopped parsley for garnish, adds a fresh, green finish
Instructions
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in Steps
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning.
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and simmer for another 2 minutes to meld flavors. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let everything heat through.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, spicy goodness of your Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta.
Notes
- Use chicken sausage or plant-based sausage as protein alternatives for different dietary needs.
- Swap fettuccine with penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta for texture variation.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream to refresh the sauce.