Name: One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; Olive oil for cooking

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Why Make This Recipe

One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that combines savory sausage with creamy pasta, all cooked in one skillet. This recipe saves time on cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights. With a touch of Cajun seasoning, it brings a bit of spice to your dinner table that everyone will love. Plus, it’s satisfying and filling, making it a great choice for family meals.

How to Make One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
Olive oil for cooking

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the sliced Cajun sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm with chopped parsley as a garnish, if desired.

How to Serve One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta

Serve this dish warm right from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy this hearty meal with family and friends!

How to Store One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.

Tips to Make One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta

For extra flavor, add some smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
Feel free to toss in other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping the Cajun sausage for another type of sausage, such as andouille or Italian sausage. You can also use different types of pasta, like fusilli or rigatoni, for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the one-skillet pasta ahead of time. Just reheat it before serving.

What can I serve with Cajun sausage pasta?
This dish goes well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Is One-Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Pasta spicy?
It has a mild spice due to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference by using less seasoning or fresh ingredients.