This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Andouille Sausage is a dish that packs a punch. It’s rich, smoky, and slightly spicy, with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The star of the show is the andouille sausage, which adds a satisfying meaty kick, while a medley of bell peppers and Cajun spices bring a bright, zesty vibrance.
Recently, I shared my take on a classic Carbonara, adding my own little twist to the beloved Italian dish. But today, we’re traveling a bit farther south—straight into the bold, spicy world of Cajun cuisine.
From tweaking old favorites to exploring new ideas, it’s been a delicious adventure that led to me to Cajun pasta, the recipe I will share with you today.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting yet exciting, and it’s just fancy enough to impress guests at a casual dinner party. Pair it with a crisp green salad, a slice of crusty garlic bread, or even a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s see how it’s made.
Recipe for Creamy Cajun Pasta with Andouille Sausage
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 12 Ounces Penne or fettuccine
- Water for boiling
- 1 Tsp Salt
For the sauce:
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 12 Ounces Andouille sausage sliced
- 1 Whole Small onion diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Cup Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) sliced
- 2 Tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ Tsp Crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice
- 1 Cup Heavy cream
- 1 Cup Chicken broth
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish:
- 2 Tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Prepare the sausage and vegetables:Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers.Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Build the sauce:Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the vegetables. Stir well to coat.Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything:Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta.Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and garnish:Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Substitute andouille sausage with smoked sausage or chorizo for similar flavors.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, linguine, or rotini all pair well with this creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Sides
1. Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing. Use a baguette or Italian loaf, slathered with garlic butter, and bake until golden. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
2. Green Salad
A light, refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Toss vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until caramelized. The smoky, roasted flavors complement the pasta perfectly.
4. Cornbread Muffins
For a Southern twist, serve with warm cornbread muffins. Their sweetness cuts through the spicy Cajun flavors.
5. Sauteed Greens
Wilted spinach or collard greens with a touch of garlic can add an earthy depth to your meal.
Beverages
1. Crisp White Wine
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy, spicy notes of the pasta.
2. Iced Tea
Sweet or unsweetened iced tea keeps it casual and refreshing. Add a slice of lemon for an extra zing.
3. Craft Beer
A light lager or wheat beer complements the smoky sausage and Cajun spices without overwhelming the palate.
4. Sparkling Water with Citrus
For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon, lime, or orange slices for a fizzy, refreshing touch.
5. Spiced Lemonade
A homemade lemonade infused with a pinch of cayenne or a sprig of rosemary ties in with the Cajun theme.
Dessert Ideas to Complete the Meal
Pecan Pie
A slice of pecan pie adds a sweet, nutty finish to your meal.
Beignets
For a true Louisiana experience, serve warm, powdered-sugar-coated beignets with coffee.
Bread Pudding
A rich, custard-soaked bread pudding drizzled with caramel sauce ties the meal together beautifully.
FAQs
What’s a good vegetarian alternative to andouille sausage?
For a vegetarian option, use smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage with a smoky flavor profile. Adding smoked paprika and liquid smoke to the dish can help mimic the meaty, smoky taste of andouille sausage.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While you can use milk as a lighter option, the sauce may not be as creamy or thick. To help achieve a similar consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the milk before adding it to the skillet.
Can I make Creamy Cajun Pasta dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version of Creamy Cajun Pasta with Andouille Sausage, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk to maintain a creamy consistency with a hint of sweetness. For the Parmesan cheese, use a dairy-free substitute or nutritional yeast to replicate the cheesy flavor.
What type of pasta works best for Creamy Cajun Pasta?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal for Creamy Cajun Pasta with Andouille Sausage, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully. For extra texture, try rotini or cavatappi, which have grooves and spirals that trap the creamy, flavorful sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Pasta with Andouille Sausage is one of those dishes that feels like a treat every time you make it. It’s rich, a little spicy, and loaded with flavor from the smoky sausage and Cajun spices. It’s not trying to be fancy or overly complicated—it’s just good, solid comfort food that hits the spot.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can crank up the heat if you’re feeling bold, tone it down if you’re cooking for kids, or switch up the sausage for chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based option. It’s forgiving, fun, and satisfying, and honestly, that’s exactly what I want from a pasta dish.