why make this recipe
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. It combines the bold flavors of Cajun spices with creamy sauce and hearty sausage. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! This dish is comforting, filling, and brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks but delicious enough to impress anyone.
how to make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage, onion, and bell pepper; sauté until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta; lower heat and simmer until the pasta is tender (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
how to serve One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Serve this pasta in bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add chopped parsley for a bit of color. This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple salad on the side.
how to store One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the pasta.
tips to make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- If you like it spicier, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute any pasta you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- For a healthier option, add in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
variation
You can switch the smoked sausage for chicken or shrimp for a different flavor. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta can make the dish a bit healthier.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as turkey sausage or even spicy Italian sausage.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with your favorite vegetable or meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the dish in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish that combines Cajun spices and creamy sauce with hearty smoked sausage, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage, onion, and bell pepper; sauté until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta; lower heat and simmer until the pasta is tender (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Notes
Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Pairs well with garlic bread or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun, Pasta, One-Pot, Sausage, Creamy, Quick Meal