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Creamy Cajun Beef Sausage Pasta Recipe

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5 from 75 reviews

Creamy Cajun Beef Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining smoky smoked beef sausage with tender pasta simmered in a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. This one-pot dish features a balanced mix of sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned with Cajun spices, garlic, and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, it’s an easy yet indulgent dinner perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 10 ounces smoked beef sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Pantry Items and Seasonings

  • 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked beef sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and flavorful. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté vegetables and toast spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and onions become translucent. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromas.
  3. Cook the pasta: Add uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
  4. Create the creamy sauce and combine: Stir in heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, forming a rich, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth gradually. Return the seared sausage to the pot and mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Finish and serve: If using fresh spinach, stir it into the pasta mixture until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Spoon the creamy Cajun pasta into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use smoked Andouille or kielbasa sausage for an authentic smoky flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness level.
  • Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth helps control overall saltiness.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat nicely with a splash of broth or cream.