Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish featuring smoked jalapeno cheddar sausage, a rich and spicy Cajun cream sauce, and tender rotini pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines smoky, cheesy, and spicy elements for a deliciously creamy pasta experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Pasta
- 14 oz smoked sausage, cut into small slices (jalapeno cheddar sausage recommended)
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside for later use.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the sausage pieces are golden brown and have released their flavorful oils.
- Add Cream and Cajun Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the sausage. Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and for the spices to infuse well.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sausage sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun sausage pasta immediately and enjoy the flavorful, comforting dish.
Notes
- Use jalapeno cheddar smoked sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it should remain firm to hold the sauce well.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
