Cajun Pasta

Name: Cajun Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 leek, (chopped); 2 cloves garlic minced; 2 spicy sausages sliced, (I use already cooked sausages, but you can also use raw sausages); 4 cups penne pasta, (uncooked); 28 ounces diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3½ cups chicken broth; 4 ounces cream cheese; 3 green onions, (sliced)

Loaded with spicy Cajun flavors, tender pasta, and delicious sausage, this Cajun pasta is sure to hit the spot.

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Table of Contents

Cajun Pasta Ingredients
How to Make This Cajun Pasta Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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If you’re ready for a mouthwatering, spicy experience, look no further than this Cajun pasta. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth packed with smoky spices, spicy sausage, and a creamy sauce to coat the tender pasta that is sure to make the perfect addition to your weeknight menu.

Cajun Pasta Ingredients

Cajun Pasta raw ingredients that are labeled

Cajun pasta is the perfect blend of all those mouth-watering flavors characteristic of Cajun cuisine.

Its subtle kick of spice adds depth and wakes up your taste buds, while its creamy tomato sauce creates a smooth and inviting background for the generous helping of sausage and tender pasta.

To make this flavorful pasta dish, you’ll need:

1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 leek chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
2 spicy sausages sliced (I use already cooked sausages, but you can also use raw sausages)
4 cups of penne pasta (uncooked)
1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
3½ cups of chicken broth
4 ounces of cream cheese
3 green onions, sliced

PRO TIP:

Note that you are adding the pasta to the pan uncooked. It will cook while simmering with the rest of the ingredients.

Substitutions and Additions

SAUSAGE: You can use any type of sausage: Italian, chicken jalapeño, chorizo, and andouille sausage are all excellent choices.

LEEKS: If you don’t have a leek, you can use an onion instead in this one-pot pasta.

CAJUN SEASONING: You can find this seasoning in the spice aisle of your grocery store, or you can make your own Cajun spice blend with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. You can also use Mexican or Creole seasoning instead.

PASTA: You can use any short pasta that you like for this easy dinner recipe.

DICED TOMATOES: You can also use diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) for a little extra spice in this one-pot Cajun pasta.

SPICY: If you want more heat, add some red pepper flakes to the dish to increase the spice level.

CHICKEN: You can add shredded chicken instead of sausages to the pasta if you want.

VEGETARIAN: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, red or green bell peppers, or zucchini.

How to Make This Cajun Pasta Recipe

This Cajun pasta is easy to make, especially since it all comes together in a single pan.

The first step is to sauté the veggies and sausages before adding the rest of the ingredients. Don’t forget that you are adding the pasta to the pan uncooked.

Once it all simmers away and the pasta is tender, you are ready to serve this delicious dish.

STEP ONE: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the leek, garlic, and sausages. Cook for 5 minutes. If using raw sausage, cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sausages are thoroughly cooked.

STEP TWO: Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is almost gone and the pasta noodles are al dente.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.

pasta, diced tomato, cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth stirred and bring to a boil

STEP THREE: Add the cream cheese and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.

STEP FOUR: Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.

PRO TIP:

A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top is always a favorite with any pasta.

STEP FIVE: Serve hot.

How To Serve

This creamy Cajun pasta is just begging for some sides to dress it up. Serve it with a delicious, crunchy tomato cucumber salad. A creamy classic coleslaw would also be a light, crunchy side dish that will balance the heat nicely.

For something extra hearty, try making a batch of crunchy garlic bread that can be dipped into the creamy Cajun sauce.

For even more flavorful pasta dishes, our one-pot chicken fajita pasta and taco pasta are two of our favorites.

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Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure it is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.

IN THE FREEZER: This easy pasta recipe can be frozen for up to 4 months in an airtight container. Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

This one-pot Cajun pasta is an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners, especially if you love Cajun food! This dish is easy to make, and it’s packed full of flavor. You will love the spicy Cajun sauce that coats the perfectly cooked tender pasta and sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this creamy Cajun sausage pasta recipe?

You can store this delicious recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What can I serve with the pot of Cajun pasta?

This dish is excellent on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

What is the taste and texture of the pot Cajun pasta?

The pasta is tender with a little bite; the sauce is creamy with a little heat from the Cajun seasoning. The sausage adds a nice earthy flavor to the dish.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Cajun Pasta

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Loaded with spicy Cajun flavors, tender pasta, and delicious sausage, this Cajun pasta is sure to hit the spot.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 leek, chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 spicy sausages sliced, I use already cooked sausages, but you can also use raw sausages
4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
28 ounces diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3½ cups chicken broth
4 ounces cream cheese
3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the leek, garlic, and sausages. Cook for 5 minutes. If using raw sausage, cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sausages are thoroughly cooked.
Add the pasta, diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is almost gone and the pasta is al dente.
Add the cream cheese and mix gently to combine all the ingredients.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.
Serve hot.

Notes

If you want more heat, add some red pepper flakes to the dish.
You can add some shredded chicken instead of the sausages to the pasta if you want.
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use Creole or Mexican seasoning or just a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.

Nutrition

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Cajun Pasta