Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines spicy Cajun seasoning with savory sausage and rich garlic butter pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (about 4 links) Cajun or Andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice level)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
-
Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced Cajun or Andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
-
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- If you like extra heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this point.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
-
Make the Sauce Creamy:
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Extra Spice: For more heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetables: You can add some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Options: Try adding a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese for a richer flavor.
This Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy, making it a satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy!