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