Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta

Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal that combines spicy Cajun sausage, creamy garlic butter sauce, and pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something rich and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Cajun sausage (or andouille sausage), sliced into rounds (can substitute with smoked sausage)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set both aside.

2. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
   • Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) to coat the garlic in the spices.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) to the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer.
   • Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything:

   • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

This Cajun Sausage and Garlic Butter Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and packed with a perfect balance of Cajun spice. It’s quick to make and will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy!