Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

This creamy and cheesy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings together smoky sausage, fire roasted tomatoes, and tender bow tie pasta for an easy one pot meal full of bold flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying with a bit of a spicy kick, all without a lot of fuss.

I first made this during a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but fast. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it’s requested regularly when we want comforting pasta with a Cajun twist.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage: – provides a smoky, savory backbone choose a quality brand with a good snap and flavor
• Vegetable oil: for browning the sausage, which adds depth and a slight crisp texture
• White onion: adds sweetness and a tender aromatic base look for firm, unblemished bulbs
• Minced garlic: enhances the overall flavor, use fresh or good quality pre minced for best aroma
• Chicken broth: forms the flavorful cooking liquid opt for low sodium for better control of seasoning
• Whipping cream: creates the creamy texture and richness fresh cream works best
• Fire roasted tomatoes: add a smoky sweetness and subtle char notes canned varieties are convenient and flavorful
• Kosher salt: essential for balancing flavors
• Cajun seasoning: the key spice blend giving the dish its distinctive heat and flavor choose a blend you enjoy
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat and complexity
• Bow tie pasta: holds the sauce well with its shape select good quality pasta for tender but firm texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: – melts into the sauce for creaminess and sharpness freshly shredded melts better
• Parsley (optional): adds a pop of freshness and color when serving

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage:

Slice the smoked sausage into coins about half an inch thick. Heat the vegetable oil in a sauté pan with deep sides or a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Brown the sausage slices on both sides until nicely caramelized. Remove and set aside on a separate plate.

Cook the Aromatics:

Add the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté for about three to four minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook just until fragrant and tender, about one minute, being careful not to burn it.

Combine Liquids and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth, whipping cream, and the undrained fire roasted tomatoes. Stir to combine all the ingredients well. Season with kosher salt, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the flavors meld.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the uncooked bow tie pasta right into the pan. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and spaced out to avoid sticking. Cover the pan and cook over medium high heat for about fourteen to sixteen minutes or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish with Sausage and Cheese:

Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir it gently into the pasta. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese so it melts into the creamy sauce, creating a luscious texture.

Garnish and Serve:

If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh contrast. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of smoky, spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors all in one bowl.

I love the smoked sausage here because it holds up well during cooking and adds a smoky depth that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. One time, during a family gathering, this dish was the star because it was both delicious and easy to make for a crowd. The smoky notes and cheesy pasta brought everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will thicken as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and stir gently over low heat until creamy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can swap smoked sausage for smoked chicken sausage or Andouille for a spicier kick. Use half and half or whole milk instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce. Any short pasta like penne or rotini can replace bow tie pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French bread make perfect sides to soak up the creamy sauce.

This Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick, hearty one pot meal that delivers smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor essential to this dish, but andouille can be a great alternative for extra Cajun heat.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Bow tie pasta holds sauce well, but penne or rotini can also be used without changing the texture significantly.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The cajun seasoning provides a moderate kick, balanced by the cream and cheese. Adjust seasoning to suit your heat preference.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir gently during cooking and ensure enough liquid is used so the pasta can cook evenly without clumping.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap whipping cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a creamy texture without dairy.