Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal packed with a spicy kick and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Seasoning & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
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 for cooking.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Create the Base: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the cooked veggies and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer to meld flavors together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly to the pot with the simmering broth and vegetables. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente, usually around 10 minutes, adding extra broth if needed to ensure the pasta is cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using, fold in the fresh spinach now and let it wilt gently in the warm sauce. Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the pasta sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of salt only if necessary, along with black pepper or extra cayenne pepper for more heat based on your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy Cajun sausage pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, comforting one-pot meal!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, as the sausage and cheese already add saltiness.
- To make it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Stir frequently while cooking pasta in broth to prevent sticking or burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
