Creamy Cajun Sausage Bowtie Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Bowtie Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining spicy andouille sausage with a rich, creamy sauce, tender bowtie pasta, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it brings the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning to your table in under 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 13 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into coins
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Produce & Pantry
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained (use half the can for fewer tomatoes)
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking sausage)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a deep skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced andouille sausage and cook until it reaches your desired level of char and crispiness, stirring occasionally to brown evenly.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes and the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine all the ingredients and build the sauce base.
- Add the pasta and simmer: Add the bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring the pasta is immersed in the liquid.
- Cover and cook pasta: Place a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 12–14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the flavorful sauce.
- Melt in the cheese: Turn off the heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the pasta and add additional Cajun seasoning as desired. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then serve hot and enjoy your flavorful creamy Cajun sausage pasta.
Notes
- Drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Use andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor, but smoked sausage can be a substitute.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
