Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta😋😋😋

This creamy cajun sausage pasta is a fast weeknight dinner made with smoky sausage, tender pasta, peppers, onion, and a creamy tomato-parmesan sauce. It has bold Cajun flavor, but the sauce rounds everything out so it tastes rich and balanced. If you want a dinner that feels cozy, flavorful, and doable on a busy night, this is it.

🕒 Prep:10 mins 

 🍳 Cook: 20 mins 

 🍽️ Total: 30 mins

👥 Servings: 6

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

 Fast & Practical: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.

 Balanced Heat: The andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning provide a kick, but the heavy cream and tomato paste create a smooth, mellow finish.

 Customizable: You can easily swap the protein for chicken or shrimp, or adjust the spice level to fit your preference.

🛒 Ingredients

 🍝 16 oz short cut pasta: Such as penne, rotini, or bowtie.

 🫒 2 Tablespoons olive oil

 🌭 1 (12 oz) package smoked andouille sausage: Sliced on the bias.

 🌶️ 1 Tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Divided.

 🧅 1 medium yellow onion: Diced.

 🫑 2 bell peppers: Any color, diced.

 🧄 2 cloves garlic: Minced.

 🔥 Pinch of red pepper flakes: To taste.

 🍲 1 1/4 cups chicken broth

 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream

  🍅 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

 🧀 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Plus more for serving.

 🌿 Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

📝 Instructions

 1. Boil the Pasta 🍝

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to *al dente* according to package directions. **Important:** Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

 2. Brown the Sausage 🌭

   While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and **2 teaspoons** of the Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and crisp on both sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer sausage to a plate.

 3. Sauté the Veggies 🫑

   Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the onion, bell peppers, the remaining **1 teaspoon** of Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until tender (3–5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

 4. Simmer the Sauce 🥛

   Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. Stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

 5. Toss & Combine 🧀

   Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water until it's glossy and perfect.

 6. Garnish & Serve 🌿

   Top with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot!

💡 Molly’s Tips for Success

 🧂 Watch the Salt: Cajun seasoning blends vary. Taste your sauce before adding extra salt!

 💧 The Secret Weapon: The starch in the reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to every noodle perfectly.

 🌶️ Make it Milder: Sensitive to spice? Swap andouille for mild kielbasa and skip the red pepper flakes.