Cajun Jambalaya Pasta with Sausage is so flavorful and spicy that you may question how easy it was to pull off! This Creole inspired pasta recipe is quick, easy and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Let me first start by including a disclaimer for this post. Although just about anyone outside of Louisiana uses the terms “Creole” and “Cajun” interchangeably (myself included), there are subtle differences between the two cuisines. Both styles share French ancestry, but they have evolved from their own unique history and culture. I am no expert, but the easiest way I know to detect the difference between the two cuisines is that Creole cooking usually involves a tomato base and Cajun does not.
If you want to learn more about the differences, here is a good article from Louisiana Travel: Read More
It is also important to note that this Cajun Jambalaya Pasta includes quite a few shortcuts. If you’re looking for traditional down-and-dirty creole cooking, this probably isn’t the dish for you, BUT, if you want a weeknight pasta dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, you came to the right place! Just 30 minutes will transport you to the mean streets of Louisiana without ever leaving your kitchen.
You may be familiar with the “Holy Trinity”: bell peppers, onion and celery. It is the base of all things Cajun. Taking inspiration from that, this recipe calls for bell peppers and onion… we will call it the “Holy Binity”. To be honest, I just don’t want celery in my pasta. Once you sauté the Holy Binity and add your sausage and tomatoes, it’s time to start building the sauce. Pro tip: If you have little ones or if you don’t like the taste of wine, feel free to substitute with additional chicken broth. I promise you that the dish will still have great flavor!
My favorite part of making this dish is stirring the pasta into the sauce. Every noodle soaks up the light, spicy concoction making each bite pure perfection. The longer it sits, the better it tastes; leftovers are to die for.
Check out the recipe below and let me know if you have questions/comments. Can’t wait to hear how you all like it!
Enjoy!
Kelsey Renee
Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (julienned)
- 1 orange or yellow bell pepper (julienned)
- 1/2 white onion (julienned)
- 1 dry pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¾ pound dry farfalle pasta (bow ties)
- 1 pound fully cooked smoked sausage (sliced into bite-sized pieces) (I use Chipotle Chicken Sausage)
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun Creole seasoning depending on your spice level (I use Zatarain’s)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (or substitute more chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups raw spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan
Instructions
- 1. Follow instructions on package to cook pasta.
- 2. Meanwhile, in a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil to medium.
- 3. Add onion and peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- 4. Add sausage and tomatoes. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Sausage should be completely heated through.
- 5. Add Cajun Creole seasoning, wine, cream and broth. Bring to boil.
- 6. Add butter. Turn heat to medium low and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- 7. Turn off heat. Stir in cooked pasta, spinach, parsley and Parmesan.
- 8. Spoon into bowls and enjoy pasta topped with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese.
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