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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 79 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines tender penne pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from Cajun-style turkey sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, and a creamy blend of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with a touch of fresh parsley, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

For the Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb Cajun-style turkey sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well using a colander and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Cajun-style turkey sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and paprika. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook gently for 3 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
  5. Combine pasta and sausage: Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Add cheese and finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and cohesive. Remove from heat.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Use turkey sausage for a leaner option; spicy or mild versions can alter the heat level to your preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the sauce slightly longer before adding pasta and sausage.
  • Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so adjust additional salt carefully.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
  • Make sure to drain pasta well to prevent a watery sauce.