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A close-up of cajun sausage pasta with sliced sausages, colorful pasta, and garnished with herbs.

Cajun Sausage Pasta

A bold and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy andouille sausage, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce that delivers authentic Louisiana flavors in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb penne pasta or rigatoni
  • 2 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Cajun Sausage Mixture
  • 1 lb andouille sausage sliced into rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped for garnish
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables
  1. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
  3. Add minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Create the Cream Sauce
  1. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
  3. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the drained pasta. Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well coated.
Final Assembly
  1. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, use authentic andouille sausage for the most authentic Cajun flavor. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.