Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish blending smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines sautéed sausage and vegetables with a luscious cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 10 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), thinly sliced
Pasta & Broth
- 4 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice the sausage into thin rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready for cooking.
- Cook Sausage & Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté the sliced sausage until it is lightly browned and aromatic, then remove it from the skillet. In the same skillet, cook the diced bell peppers and onions until tender and fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir the Cajun seasoning into the cooked vegetables to coat them evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente, tender but with a slight bite.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth and combined. Gradually add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to melt it into a creamy sauce. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir everything together well.
- Season & Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper for extra heat. If using, stir in fresh spinach until slightly wilted. Garnish with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor and color before serving.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage for authentic Cajun flavor or kielbasa as a milder substitute.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount depending on your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor with seasoning additions as needed.
- This dish cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it perfect for busy weeknights.
