One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With spicy andouille sausage, creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of Cajun seasoning, it’s an easy meal that comes together quickly in just one pan.

Ingredients

• 1 (13oz) pack Cajun andouille sausage, cut into coins
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
• 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ pound or approximately 2 cups)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet that can accommodate the pasta and has a lid, cook the sausage over medium heat for about 5 minutes until browned to your liking.
2. Step 2: Remove the sausage from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep the sausage grease in the skillet.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped garlic in the leftover sausage grease for about one minute. Then add the chicken broth, Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies, heavy cream, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Stir in the dry bowtie pasta, cover the skillet with the lid, and simmer on low heat for about 14 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, return the sausage to the skillet and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked sausage if you can’t find andouille, for a similar smoky flavor.
• Add chopped bell peppers or onions with the garlic for extra texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste for more or less heat.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, most pasta shapes will work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and ensure the pasta fits comfortably in your skillet.

Is this dish very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies add some heat, but you can reduce the amount of seasoning or choose mild diced tomatoes to make it less spicy.

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring spicy andouille sausage, creamy cheddar cheese, and bold Cajun spices all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it combines tender bowtie pasta simmered in a rich, creamy tomato broth with savory sausage for a hearty and satisfying Cajun-inspired dinner.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Aromatics

• 1 (13oz) pack Cajun andouille sausage, sliced into coins
• 1 tbsp chopped garlic

Liquid and Seasonings

• 1 (14.5oz) can chicken broth (about 2 cups)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ pound or approximately 2 cups)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet that has a lid and is big enough to hold the pasta later, cook the sliced Cajun andouille sausage over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until browned to your liking. This step renders the sausage fat and builds flavor.
2. Remove the sausage: Take the cooked sausage out of the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Do not discard the sausage grease left in the pan as it will be used for cooking the garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
3. Sauté the garlic and combine liquids: In the same skillet with the leftover sausage grease, sauté the chopped garlic over medium heat for about a minute until fragrant. Then add the can of chicken broth, diced tomatoes with chilies (Rotel), heavy cream, and about 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir these ingredients well to combine the flavorful sauce base.
4. Add pasta and simmer: Stir in the dry bowtie pasta into the sauce mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish with sausage and cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir it in. Then add a few cups of shredded cheddar cheese and toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy and well coated. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning to 1½ teaspoons.
• You can substitute andouille sausage with any smoked sausage or kielbasa if preferred.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• If you like a thinner sauce, add a bit more chicken broth or cream during simmering.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy cajun pasta, andouille sausage recipe, easy Cajun dinner, one skillet meals, cheesy sausage pasta