Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy andouille sausage with vibrant bell peppers, mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce. Made with gluten-free pasta and a blend of Cajun spices, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a deliciously smoky, spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
Vegetables
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Slice the andouille sausage links into medallions to ensure they cook evenly and release their smoky flavor into the dish.
- Sauté vegetables and sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until browned. Add the baby bella mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook together until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and diced fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning mix and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to slightly reduce.
- Cook the pasta: Add the gluten-free penne pasta directly into the skillet. Cook in the simmering liquid according to the pasta’s package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce creamy: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley and optional red pepper flakes on top for a burst of color and extra heat. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute andouille sausage with smoked sausage or spicy kielbasa for a similar flavor profile.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference; add more for extra spice or less for milder flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, swap sausage with seasoned tofu or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Slicing the sausage and vegetables uniformly ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Gluten-free penne pasta is used to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten, but regular penne pasta works equally well if gluten is not a concern.
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe, spicy sausage pasta, andouille sausage recipe, one-pot pasta, quick dinner, comfort food