One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With spicy sausage, tender pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, it comes together quickly and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa)
• 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Dice the bell peppers and onions. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and sauté until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, cook the diced bell peppers and onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper over the veggies and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Add the pasta directly to the pot. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir to combine. If using, add fresh spinach and let it wilt.
9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Step 10: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use any smoked sausage you prefer like Andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
• Add fresh or frozen vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni works best for this dish, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle. Avoid very thin pasta as it may overcook during simmering.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables or plant-based sausage alternatives for flavor and protein.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 146 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining smoky Andouille sausage, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it blends colorful bell peppers and spinach with a blend of aromatic spices for a comforting and delicious dinner.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Vegetables

• 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta and Cheese

• 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sauté the sausage rounds until they are nicely browned and have released some of their flavorful oils. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Create the Base: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat them evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the simmering broth mixture. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth if the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is cooked.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the browned sausage to the pot and add fresh spinach if using, cooking just until the spinach wilts.
6. Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes as garnish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
• Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
• If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Use Andouille sausage for the most authentic Cajun taste, but kielbasa works well as a milder alternative.

Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, creamy pasta, one pot pasta, Andouille sausage recipe, spicy pasta dish