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One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes) Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy Cajun sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting dish with a kick of spice, perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds

Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Pantry

  • 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Chop the bell peppers and onions. Measure out your Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese so they’re ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage.
  4. Add Cajun Seasoning: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the vegetables. Stir to coat them evenly and let the spices toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
  5. Create the Liquid Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck bits to deepen the flavor.
  6. Cook the Pasta: Add the dry pasta directly into the simmering broth and vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, usually about 10-12 minutes. Add more broth if needed to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
  7. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  8. Reintroduce the Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the fresh spinach if using. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sausage is heated through, about 2 minutes.
  9. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use Andouille or kielbasa for the best smoky flavor in the sausage.
  • Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice level or omit it entirely for mild flavor.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking to avoid sticking or burning.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, thin it by adding a little more chicken broth or cream.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the sausage does not contain gluten fillers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta recipe, smoked sausage dinner, quick Cajun dinner, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-sausage-pasta-30-minutes-recipe/