Description
This creamy Cajun sausage pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring smoky jalapeno cheddar sausage, tender rotini pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce seasoned with Cajun spices and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a comforting dish with a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 14 oz smoked sausage, cut into small slices (jalapeno cheddar sausage recommended)
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the water thoroughly and set the pasta aside for later use.
- Sauté Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook and sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the sausage pieces turn golden brown, enhancing their smoky flavor.
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage, then add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while the flavors meld together.
- Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Toss Pasta: Incorporate the cooked pasta into the creamy sausage sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat all pasta pieces with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun sausage pasta while hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious dish immediately.
Notes
- Use jalapeno cheddar sausage for a spicy, smoky kick.
- Rotini pasta works well because its spirals hold the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for desired spice level.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
