Is this dish very spicy?

It’s got a bit of heat from things like Cajun seasoning, red pepper, and andouille sausage. The cream tones it down, though. If you want it milder, try regular sausage or cut back on the spicy stuff.

What’s the best way to make it less spicy?

Swap out the andouille for a milder sausage like kielbasa and use less Cajun spice or no red pepper flakes. You can amp it up later if you want, but it’s tricky to take spice out.

Can I use a cream substitute?

Sure! Full-fat coconut milk is a great alternative and keeps it creamy. Half-and-half also works but might not thicken the sauce as much.

What other sausage can I use?

You’ve got options! Chicken, turkey, smoked sausage, or chorizo would all taste great. Keep in mind some sausages have their own seasoning, so adjust the Cajun seasoning as needed.

How should I store leftovers and reheat them?

Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce since the pasta can soak it up.

Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Bold flavors shine in this creamy Cajun pasta with spicy sausage and colorful peppers. A quick, tasty meal done in about 30 minutes!

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By Ana

Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:13:34 GMT

Delicious Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Is this dish very spicy?: It’s got a bit of heat from things like Cajun seasoning, red pepper, and andouille sausage. The cream tones it down, though. If you want it milder, try regular sausage or cut back on the spicy stuff.
→ What’s the best way to make it less spicy?: Swap out the andouille for a milder sausage like kielbasa and use less Cajun spice or no red pepper flakes. You can amp it up later if you want, but it’s tricky to take spice out.
→ Can I use a cream substitute?: Sure! Full-fat coconut milk is a great alternative and keeps it creamy. Half-and-half also works but might not thicken the sauce as much.
→ What other sausage can I use?: You’ve got options! Chicken, turkey, smoked sausage, or chorizo would all taste great. Keep in mind some sausages have their own seasoning, so adjust the Cajun seasoning as needed.
→ How should I store leftovers and reheat them?: Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce since the pasta can soak it up.

Cajun Sausage Pasta

Tender andouille sausage mixed with pasta, creamy Cajun-inspired sauce, and peppers. Bold taste, easy to make, and seriously satisfying.

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

20 min

Total Time

30 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yields: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta & Base

01 About 12 to 16 ounces of short pasta (penne works well); gluten-free is fine if you need it

02 1 tablespoon of Cajun mix, split in half for use

03 A couple tablespoons of olive oil

→ Sausage & Vegetables

04 A pinch (or more) of red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like it

05 Roughly 2 bell peppers, diced up (any colors you want)

06 Smoked andouille sausage (12 oz pack), sliced at an angle

07 1 yellow onion, chopped into small pieces

08 2 garlic cloves, minced finely

→ Sauce & Finishing

09 A quarter cup and an additional half cup chicken broth

10 Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup), and a little extra on top when serving

11 A few spoonfuls (2 tbsp) of tomato paste

12 Half a cup of full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

13 A handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional for serving)

Steps

Step 01

Start a big pot with salted water and wait for it to boil. Toss the pasta in and cook until it's firm to the bite, as per its box guidelines. Don’t rinse the pasta, but be sure to save a cup of water from the pot before draining.

Step 02

Heat oil in a large pan on medium-high once the pasta is cooking. Stir in sausage slices and 2 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning, cooking both sides till they crisp, taking about 5 minutes. Pull them out and set aside on a plate.

Step 03

In the same pan, lower the heat and add the onion, diced peppers, remaining Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let everything soften, stirring occasionally, for around 3 minutes. Mix in garlic next and keep it going for a minute till it's aromatic.

Step 04

Pour chicken broth, coconut milk (or cream), and tomato paste into the pan, stirring until it’s smooth. Turn the heat to medium-high so it starts bubbling gently, then bring it down to medium-low and let it thicken for 5-7 minutes.

Step 05

Add cheese to the sauce and stir, then toss in your drained pasta and sausage. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Splash in a little pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Serve right away, sprinkling more Parmesan and parsley for extra taste.

Notes

This dish is pretty spicy, so tone it down by skipping the red pepper or using mild sausage.
Most gluten-free pastas come in 12 oz boxes rather than 16 oz, so choose based on the package size.
You can use other sausages like smoked turkey, plain smoked links, Spanish chorizo, or chicken sausage.
The creamy base balances out the strong flavors and spice from the sausage.