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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 6 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines spicy Cajun-seasoned sausage with tender pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a comforting blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors all cooked effortlessly in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Veggies

  • 1 lb (450g) smoked Andouille or Cajun sausage, sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 oz (225g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the sausage and vegetables: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add spices and pasta: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the dried pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
  3. Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. If the pasta needs more liquid during cooking, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
  4. Combine sausage and tomatoes: Return the browned sausage to the pot along with the drained diced tomatoes. Stir to incorporate and heat through for about 3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add cheese and garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute Andouille sausage with any smoked or spicy sausage of your choice.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or a dairy-free cream substitute.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; check frequently near the end of the cooking time.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition

Keywords: One pot pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick dinner, spicy sausage pasta