One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Combining spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, sauté diced onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in Cajun seasoning and dry pasta. Toss to coat evenly in spices.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Return sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use smoked sausage instead of andouille.
• Swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle if preferred.
• Add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• If you want a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, mild smoked sausage or kielbasa can be used as a substitute, but andouille adds a distinctive smoky Cajun flavor that’s key to this dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular penne pasta, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta of your choice.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish combining spicy andouille sausage with tender penne pasta cooked in a creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it comes together in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Produce

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pantry

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage.
3. Add seasoning and pasta: Stir in Cajun seasoning and the dry penne pasta. Toss to evenly coat the pasta in the spices and aromatics.
4. Add liquids and boil: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer the pasta: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Combine sausage and pasta: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce.
8. Season to taste: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce will be less rich.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Keywords: One pot pasta, Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta, andouille sausage recipe, quick dinner, easy pasta dish, Cajun seasoning