Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner is a rich and comforting one-pan meal that will win over any crowd. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a luscious Cajun-seasoned cream sauce with seared sausage and sweet red bell peppers. It’s bold, cozy, and packed with irresistible flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend indulgence, this dish is made in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
2 red bell peppers, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add sliced red bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. Lower heat to medium and pour heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in Cajun seasoning and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet. Add Parmesan cheese and stir everything together. Use pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 2-3 more minutes until creamy and heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, use spicy andouille sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Stir in spinach or mushrooms with the peppers for added vegetables.
Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, sausage dinner, Cajun recipe, easy pasta, comfort food