Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli – Bold & Comforting

Spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and garlic blend together in a velvety Cajun-spiced Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with tender cheese ravioli. This ultra-creamy pasta dish delivers a kick of flavor while remaining quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a special meal with crusty bread on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick, flavorful weeknight meal
• Big creamy flavor from simple ingredients
• Customizable spice level to suit your family
• Uses frozen ravioli for convenience

Ingredients

• 1 lb Spicy Italian Sausage (mild can be substituted)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/2 Large Red Onion, diced
• 6–7 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Garlic Blend (e.g., Mrs Dash Ultimate Garlic Blend)
• 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (e.g., Slap Ya Mama Hot Seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/4 cup Beef or Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 3/4–1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
• 25 oz Frozen Cheese Ravioli
• 1/4 cup Reserved Pasta Water

Required Tools

• Large Skillet
• Pot for Boiling Ravioli
• Wooden Spoon

Instructions

Step 1: Brown Sausage and Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook about 10 minutes until sausage is browned and vegetables softened.

Step 2: Season

1. Stir in garlic blend, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build Cream Sauce

1. Pour in broth and scrape skillet bottom to release browned bits.
2. Add heavy cream and gradually stir in Parmesan until sauce is smooth and creamy. Simmer gently, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Cook Ravioli

1. Cook frozen ravioli according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Add cooked ravioli and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to ravioli. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Tips & Tricks

• Grate Parmesan fresh for silkier, meltier sauce.
• Save pasta water—it helps make the sauce glossy and cling to ravioli.
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning for milder or spicier heat.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with cream or broth.
• Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Heavy cream → half & half or dairy-free coconut creamer for lighter or dairy-free options
• Italian sausage → chicken or turkey sausage for leaner protein
• Ravioli → any pasta shape you prefer

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up sauce
• Optional side: sautéed spinach or blistered green beans

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 600 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fat: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g