Description
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish featuring smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce—all made in just one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes over the vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until melted. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Try using shrimp or chicken instead of sausage for a different take.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Instead of Parmesan, try cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, pasta
- Method: one pot,stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, american
Keywords: Cajun pasta, one-pot meal, creamy sausage pasta, easy dinner, spicy pasta recipe