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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern Cajun

Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful 30-minute dinner that combines spicy smoked sausage, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce infused with Cajun seasoning and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it uses a single pot to keep cleanup easy while delivering a dish full of bold, Southern-inspired flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Additional grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and sauté until they are browned and slightly crisp on the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Cook them until tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage for added flavor.
  4. Create the Base: Stir the Cajun seasoning into the cooked vegetables until well coated. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the simmering broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is just al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water if the liquid reduces too quickly.
  6. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If using, add fresh spinach to wilt into the sauce.
  7. Combine Sausage: Return the cooked sausage slices to the pot. Mix well to combine and heat through evenly.
  8. Final Seasoning: Taste the pasta and sauce before adding salt. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed, and add black pepper or cayenne pepper for extra heat based on your preference.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, topped with chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes for an added kick and color.

Notes

  • You may substitute smoked sausage with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  • If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and omit cayenne pepper.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
  • For a richer sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
  • This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully on the stovetop or microwave.