Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Dinner is a flavor-packed, comforting one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky sausage, bowtie pasta, Cajun seasoning, and a rich, velvety cream sauce, this easy recipe satisfies cravings without complicated prep. Ideal for quick dinners, cozy food ideas, or a hearty yet easy dinner option, it’s one of those go-to dinner ideas you’ll want to make again and again. A must-try if you’re looking for a bold, easy recipe the whole family will devour!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium-high heat until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return sausage to the skillet and toss in cooked pasta. Mix everything together, adding pasta water if needed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
Reserve pasta water—it helps thicken and bind the sauce.
Don’t skip searing the sausage, it builds rich, smoky depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6 of total)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg