Description
A bold and creamy one-pot Cajun sausage pasta that’s packed with smoky sausage, Cajun spices, and a luscious sauce. This easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers comforting, restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage (andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the sausage and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned (3-4 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add seasonings: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, toasting for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Simmer with liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked sausage. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or grilled chicken instead of sausage.
- Spice Level: Adjust Cajun seasoning to preference.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and turkey sausage for pork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, one-pot pasta recipe, creamy Cajun pasta, quick dinner recipe, easy weeknight meal