why make this recipe
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delightful meal that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. It is an easy-to-make dish that combines the smoky taste of sausage with the rich creaminess of a sauce flavored with Cajun spices. Plus, it all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
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 dish hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
how to store One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the pasta seems dry.
tips to make One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
- Use different types of sausage for varied flavors, like andouille or chicken sausage.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- For added veggies, toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing the sausage with plant-based sausage or chickpeas. Also, feel free to swap penne pasta for any other pasta type you prefer, like fusilli or rotini.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you like.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a dairy-free version.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta
A delightful one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage in a rich creamy Cajun sauce, 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
For varied flavors, use different types of sausage or toss in some spinach or kale for added veggies. You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting sausage with plant-based options or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
