Description
Cajun Cream Sauce Penne with Andouille is a pasta dish that blends classic Italian-style penne pasta with bold Cajun flavors from Louisiana cuisine. The star ingredient is andouille sausage, a smoked sausage known for its deep, spicy, and garlicky taste. This sausage is paired with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Cajun Cream Sauce
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1–1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins & Garnish
Shrimp or chicken
Fresh parsley or green onions
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the Andouille
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add sliced andouille and cook until browned, 3–4 minutes.
Remove sausage and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper.
Cook until softened, 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Lower heat to medium.
Stir in cream, broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne.
Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan until smooth.
5. Combine
Return sausage to pan.
Add pasta and toss to coat.
Add reserved pasta water as needed for silky consistency.
6. Serve
Garnish with parsley or green onions and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Cajun / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~520 kcal
Keywords: Cajun creamy penne pasta, andouille sausage pasta, Cajun cream pasta, creamy Cajun sausage penne, Louisiana-style creamy pasta
