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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Pasta

    Cajun Pasta

    Published: Dec 22, 2019 · Modified: Feb 24, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    penne pasat, sausage, peppers and onions in a cream sauce in a white bowl.

    Cajun Pasta is a delicious dinner that is made with penne pasta, peppers, onions, smoked beef sausage and lots of cajun seasonings. It all gets tossed in a creamy cajun sauce. This is such an easy dinner recipe it will be your new go-to Cajun Pasta Recipe!

    cajun pasta with peppers and sausage topped with parsley

    Cajun Seasoning

    There are quite a few options when it comes to cajun seasoning. The Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning is the one that I like to use. But do note that if you use this brand it does contain salt, so you will not want to add additional salt to your dish.

    Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning

    If you choose a seasoning blend that does not contain salt you can add salt to taste.

    If you like this seasoning you should also check out my recipes for Cajun Rice with Chicken & Sausage (Instant Pot), and Skillet Dirty Rice & Beans.

    Cajun Food

    Cajun food is traditionally rural food born out of the swamp lands of Louisiana. It is the hearty comfort food that country folk would make for their families. The counterpart to cajun food is Creole. Creole food is more known for its blend of southern style with a European flair. It is also considered more of an urban cuisine.

    two bowls of creamy cajun pasta with peppers and sausage

    A lot of cajun dishes also begin with what is known as the holy trinity: onions, celery, and peppers. In this Cajun Pasta Recipe we do utilize the onions and peppers, but no celery!

    How to Make Cajun Pasta

    Start by prepping your veggies and sausage. Slice the peppers and onions in similar sized strips. Cut your sausage into ½ inch rounds.

    • yellow peppers and red onions cut into strips
    • Beef smoked sausage cut into slices

    Boil a pot of salted water and cook the ½ pound of penne to al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside. It is best not to rinse your pasta because the starch will help thicken the sauce at the end.

    In a large skillet (with high sides), over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Saute the red onions, peppers, and garlic, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 mins. Add the sausage and cook for an additional minute.

    penne pasta, beef sausage, peppers and onions coated in cajun seasoning and spices

    Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked pasta, 1 heaping teaspoon cajun seasoning, 1 heaping teaspoon smoked paprika, pinch of red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper for more heat), ½ teaspoon each – onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir around the pan for a minute to coat the pasta and warm the spices.

    Creamy Cajun Pasta in a high sided skillet

    Add 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream and let it simmer over medium heat until the cream thickens and coats the pasta, about 5-10 minutes.

    Taste for additional seasoning and serve!

    penne pasta, smoked sausage, onions and peppers in a cajun cream sauce in a large white bowl garnished with parsley

    Cajun Pasta Recipe

    cajun pasta with peppers and sausage topped with parsley

    Cajun Pasta Recipe

    Cajun pasta is a delicious dinner. Penne pasta, peppers, onions, smoked beef sausage are coated in a creamy cajun sauce with plenty of seasonings.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Ingredients

    • ½ lb. penne pasta cooked to al dente
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 bell pepper sliced in strips, any color
    • ½ red onion sliced in strips
    • 3-4 garlic cloves chopped
    • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes drained
    • 12 oz fully cooked beef smoked sausage cut into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 teaspoon (heaping) cajun seasoning **see note about cajun seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon (heaping) smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano
    • pinch red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for more heat
    • 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • Cook pasta. Cook your penne pasta to al dente, per box instructions. Drain and set aside.
    • Saute the peppers & onions in oil. In a large skillet (with high sides), over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and saute the onions, peppers, and garlic for 4-5 minutes.
    • Add all additional ingredients, except cream. Stir in the ½ lb. pasta, 12 oz. smoked beef sausage, 14.5 oz. drained diced tomatoes, 1 heaping teaspoon cajun seasoning, 1 heaping teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion pwd, garlic pwd, dried oregano, pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute to coat the pasta and warm the spices.
    • Stir the the heavy cream and simmer until thickened. Stir in 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream and simmer over medium heat until the cream has thickened and coated the pasta, about 5-10 minutes.
    • Taste for seasonings & serve!

    Notes:

    Cajun Seasoning
    I use Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning which contains salt. If you use another cajun seasoning that has salt, do not add additional salt.
    If your cajun seasoning doesn’t have salt, add salt to taste at the end.
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1.5cups

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

    Pasta Dinner

    If you love pasta for dinner here are a couple other recipes worth checking out!

    • Dutch Oven Lasagna
    • Creamy Orzo with Chicken & Brussels
    • Baked Penne with Sausage
    • Skillet Mac & Cheese
    • Teriyaki Beef Noodles

    « Cornflake Wreaths
    Homemade Chocolate Sheet Cake & Chocolate Frosting »
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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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