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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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