Go Back
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound turkey sausage, sliced - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 green bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Pasta: Use 8 ounces for four servings. - Oil: One tablespoon helps cook the sausage well. - Sausage: One pound gives great flavor and protein. - Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. - Garlic: Two cloves boost flavor with a nice aroma. - Peppers: One red and one green add color and crunch. - Cream: One cup makes the sauce rich and creamy. - Broth: One cup adds depth to the sauce. - Seasoning: Two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning bring the heat. - Salt and Pepper: Use to taste for balance. - Tomatoes: One cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds freshness. - Cheese: A quarter cup of Parmesan enhances creaminess. - Parsley: Two tablespoons of fresh parsley brightens the dish. - Fettuccine: You can use penne or rotini instead. - Turkey Sausage: Swap with chicken or pork sausage for variety. - Heavy Cream: Half-and-half works if you want a lighter sauce. - Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great veggie option. - Cajun Seasoning: Make your own with paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. - Parmesan Cheese: Try pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. - Fresh Parsley: Basil or cilantro can also work as a garnish. This list makes it easy to gather what you need. Feel free to mix and match as you like! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it's al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later. In a big skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it on medium. Add 1 pound of sliced turkey sausage. Cook the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it often until it is brown and warm. Once done, take it out with a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate to cool. Keep the skillet on the heat. Add 1 small diced onion. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Next, add 2 minced cloves of garlic, along with 1 chopped red bell pepper and 1 chopped green bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are soft and bright. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well to mix with the veggies. Add 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit. Return the browned turkey sausage to the skillet. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This warms the tomatoes and makes them soft. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Let it sit on low heat for 1 more minute to blend the flavors. Finally, stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy! To boost flavor in your creamy Cajun turkey sausage pasta, try these tips: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and vegetables taste better. - Add spices: Extra Cajun seasoning gives more heat and flavor. - Finish with cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth. - Incorporate herbs: Fresh parsley or basil brightens the dish. Mixing these elements will make your dish pop! A few common mistakes can ruin this dish: - Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package instructions closely. Al dente pasta adds texture. - Browning the sausage too much: Aim for golden, not burnt. This keeps it juicy. - Not simmering the sauce enough: Let it thicken to coat the pasta well. - Adding too much salt: Remember the sausage and broth are salty. Taste before seasoning. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your dish flavorful and enjoyable. Making a creamy sauce can be tricky. Here are my best tips: - Use full-fat cream: Heavy cream gives the best texture and richness. - Stir constantly: This prevents burning and ensures a smooth sauce. - Simmer gently: Low heat helps the sauce thicken without curdling. - Add cheese at the end: This allows it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Following these tips will help you create a creamy, delicious pasta dish every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Adjust Cajun Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice tolerance; you can always add more but can't take it away! Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some to achieve the desired consistency. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or basil as a garnish not only adds color but also a burst of freshness to the dish. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Swap turkey sausage for plant-based sausage. Use mushrooms to add a meaty texture. Bell peppers, onions, and garlic will still bring great flavor. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich base. If you like heat, spice it up! Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can also use a spicier Cajun seasoning. For more flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a nice kick without losing its creamy goodness. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Make sure to check the sausage too; some may contain gluten. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. This keeps the dish light and flavorful. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Place the container in the fridge. The pasta will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, take the pasta out of the fridge. You can reheat it in a few ways. The best way is on the stove. Place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it warms through. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the dish, start by letting it cool completely. Then, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can use other meats in this dish. Chicken or pork sausage works well. You can also use shrimp for a seafood twist. Just cook them until they are fully done. Make sure to adjust cooking times for different meats. This way, you can enjoy a variety of flavors. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole wheat pasta: It adds fiber and nutrients. - Reduce heavy cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter sauce. - Add more veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms boost nutrition and flavor. - Choose lean sausage: Look for turkey sausage with lower fat content. These small changes can make a big difference in health without losing taste. This dish pairs well with several sides: - Garlic bread: It’s a classic choice to soak up the creamy sauce. - Simple salad: A mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. - Fresh fruit: A light fruit salad offers a sweet contrast. These sides enhance your meal and create a well-rounded dinner experience. This blog post covered all you need to make creamy Cajun turkey sausage pasta. We listed ingredients, gave measurements, and shared substitutions. I shared simple steps to cook the dish, from pasta to sauce. You learned tips to boost flavor and avoid mistakes. Remember, you can tweak this dish to fit your taste. Whether you want it spicy, vegetarian, or gluten-free, options are plenty. Store your leftovers well for a quick meal later. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish a family favorite!

Creamy Cajun Turkey Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring turkey sausage and Cajun spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound turkey sausage, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet, placing it onto a plate to cool while you prepare the vegetables.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and vibrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Return the browned turkey sausage to the skillet, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are warmed through and starting to soften.
  • Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook on low heat for an extra minute to allow all flavors to meld beautifully together.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts seamlessly into the sauce creating a creamy texture. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and cherry tomatoes for garnish.
Keyword Cajun, creamy, pasta, turkey sausage