Andouille sausage, with its spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile, adds a delightful kick to pasta dishes. Its robust character pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes and sauces, making it a versatile ingredient for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This comprehensive guide explores various andouille sausage pasta recipes, catering to different tastes and skill levels.
What is Andouille Sausage?
Before diving into recipes, let's understand what makes andouille sausage so unique. Originating in Louisiana, andouille is a smoked sausage typically made from pork, although some variations include beef. The distinctive flavor comes from a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and black pepper, resulting in a spicy yet balanced taste. The texture is firm and slightly coarse, holding up well during cooking.
Easy Andouille Sausage Pasta Recipe (Creamy Tomato)
This recipe is a perfect starting point for those new to cooking with andouille sausage. It’s quick, simple, and delivers a satisfyingly flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Andouille Sausage Pasta with Cajun Cream Sauce
For a spicier and more authentic Cajun kick, this recipe uses a homemade Cajun cream sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or linguine work well)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, brown the andouille sausage in a large skillet. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add Cajun seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in heavy cream.
- Add cooked sausage and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Andouille Sausage and Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta dish with the addition of succulent shrimp. The combination of andouille sausage and shrimp creates a delightful seafood and savory meat flavor profile.
Ingredients: (Adapt based on your preferred pasta and shrimp quantity)
- 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in white wine and cook until slightly reduced.
- Add cooked sausage and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
How to Make Andouille Sausage Pasta Vegetarian?
This is easily achievable by substituting the andouille sausage with a vegetarian alternative. Many brands now offer plant-based sausages with a similar smoky flavor profile. Choose a brand that offers a spicy option to mimic the heat of andouille. Follow the chosen recipe, substituting the vegetarian sausage for the pork andouille.
What Kind of Pasta Goes Best with Andouille Sausage?
The best pasta for andouille sausage depends on the sauce. For creamy sauces, thicker shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well. Thinner pasta like linguine or spaghetti are excellent for lighter sauces or those with a lot of vegetables.
Can I Use Leftover Andouille Sausage in Pasta?
Absolutely! Leftover andouille sausage is perfect for pasta dishes. Simply reheat it gently before adding it to your chosen recipe. This is a great way to reduce food waste and create a quick and tasty meal.
Remember to adjust seasoning to your preference. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique andouille sausage pasta masterpiece!
