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Creamy Cajun Andouille Pasta

15
min active
  ·
35
min total 
  ·
4
servings  

Smoky andouille, tender pasta, and a creamy Cajun sauce make this an easy comfort dinner with weeknight timing.

Storage & Reheating

Store: leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Reheat: gently with a splash of broth, milk, or water to bring the sauce back.

Avo's Tip

Keep the heat at medium once the cream goes in so the sauce stays smooth instead of separating.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you start cooking.

Can I use smoked sausage instead of andouille?

Yes. Smoked sausage works well and keeps the recipe mild; andouille gives a stronger Cajun-style flavor.

Is this pasta spicy?

It has a medium kick depending on your Cajun seasoning. Use less seasoning or choose a mild blend for a softer heat level.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells all work because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Why It Works

  • Browning the andouille first builds flavor fast, while chicken broth and cream turn the skillet into a sauce without a separate roux.

Quick Fixes

  • Sauce gets too thick: loosen it with reserved pasta water. 

  • Too salty: add a splash of cream or lemon juice. 

  • Pasta soft: toss gently and serve right away.

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Ingredients

1

12 oz penne, rotini, or rigatoni

2

12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons

3

1 small yellow onion, diced

4

1 red or green bell pepper, diced

5

3 cloves garlic, minced

6

1 tablespoon olive oil

7

2 tablespoons tomato paste

8

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste

9

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

10

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

11

1 cup heavy cream

12

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

13

Sliced scallions or parsley, for serving

14

Lemon wedges, for serving

 Instructions

1

Boil the pasta in salted water until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the andouille and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned at the edges.

3

Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened, then stir in garlic, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.

4

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Stir in the cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until slightly thickened.

5

Add the pasta and Parmesan. Toss until glossy, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.

6

Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with scallions or parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

RECIPE

Creamy Cajun Andouille Pasta

15
min active 
 ·
35
min total 
 ·
4
servings

1

Boil the pasta in salted water until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the andouille and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned at the edges.

3

Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened, then stir in garlic, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika.

4

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Stir in the cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until slightly thickened.

5

Add the pasta and Parmesan. Toss until glossy, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.

6

Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with scallions or parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

ingrediENTS

1

12 oz penne, rotini, or rigatoni

2

12 oz andouille sausage, sliced into half-moons

3

1 small yellow onion, diced

4

1 red or green bell pepper, diced

5

3 cloves garlic, minced

6

1 tablespoon olive oil

7

2 tablespoons tomato paste

8

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste

9

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

10

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

11

1 cup heavy cream

12

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

13

Sliced scallions or parsley, for serving

14

Lemon wedges, for serving

instructions

High comfort. Low effort. Designed for real weeknights.

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