Cajun Sausage And Garlic Butter Pasta

Want pasta with a little kick? This Cajun sausage and garlic butter pasta brings the heat and the flavor. It’s bold, buttery, and so satisfying.

You’ve got smoky sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning, and silky garlic butter sauce. Every bite’s a flavor party. It’s spicy, creamy, and totally crave-worthy.

It’s quick, simple, and perfect for weeknights. One pan, big flavor, no stress. You’ll feel like a dinner hero.

So grab your pasta and let’s turn up the heat. This one’s gonna be your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big Bold Flavor: Cajun spices, smoky sausage, and garlicky butter blend into a sauce that’s unforgettable.
• Simple but Special: Uses everyday ingredients, but the flavor feels restaurant-worthy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more delicious. Everything cooks in one pan.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknights when you want something filling and fast.
• Customizable Heat: You can make it mild, medium, or bring the fire—your choice.

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What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4 to 5 as a main course.

Difficulty:

• Easy. Great for beginner cooks and busy nights.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pasta strainer

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this bold and buttery pasta. Exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end.

• 12 oz Pasta – Penne or spaghetti work great. Something that holds sauce well.
• 1 lb Cajun Sausage, sliced – Andouille or any smoky sausage brings flavor and heat.
• 2 tbsp Butter – For that rich, glossy finish.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds deep flavor to the butter base.
• 1/2 tsp Cajun Seasoning – Add more if you like it hotter.
• 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika – Adds a deep, smoky note.
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth – Helps deglaze the pan and build the sauce.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream – Brings everything together in a creamy, dreamy sauce.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated – Melts into the sauce for cheesy richness.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste – Just enough to balance it all.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped – For garnish and a pop of color.

Variations for Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta

• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Use Shrimp: Swap half the sausage for shrimp and cook it in the same pan.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your sausage and seasonings.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms go really well here.
• Swap the Cream: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version (with a twist!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later.

2. Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the sliced Cajun sausage. Cook until browned on both sides—about 5–7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Spices

In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, letting them bloom for another 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the sausage. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

5. Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

6. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

7. Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta

• Main Dish: Serve warm with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad.
• Family Style: Plate it up in a large bowl for easy sharing.
• With Extras: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of lemon juice adds a little something special.

Storing and Reheating

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth.
• Freezing? Not ideal—cream-based sauces can split when frozen and thawed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cook Pasta Just Right: Stop at al dente—overcooked pasta won’t hold up well in the sauce.
• Use Good-Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is a major part of the dish.
• Reserve Pasta Water: It helps adjust the sauce texture at the end without thinning the flavor.
• Don’t Rush the Garlic: Keep heat medium-low to avoid burning it—it should be golden and fragrant.

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	20g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	15g
Sodium	800mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

FAQs

Can I use a different sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey or chicken sausage also works great.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Replace sausage with mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a veggie twist.

Is it spicy?
Mild to medium. You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.

Conclusion

This Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, flavor-packed dinner that hits all the comfort food notes. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need something satisfying on a busy night, this dish brings the heat (and the creaminess) in every bite. Try it once and it might just become your go-to weeknight pasta.FAQs