Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner made with minimal cleanup, this dish combines bold spices with fresh veggies and comforting creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage & Meat
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Dry & Spices
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready before cooking.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Create the Base: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper over the sautéed veggies. Stir well to coat all the vegetables with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the simmering pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes, adding extra chicken broth if the liquid reduces too quickly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and cheese is fully melted. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, stir in fresh spinach until wilted for added color and nutrition. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy flavor or kielbasa for a milder taste.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper or use less Cajun seasoning.
- Add more chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, creamy sausage pasta, one pot pasta, quick dinner, Andouille sausage recipe, Cajun seasoning pasta, creamy Cajun sausage pasta
