Print

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 146 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta combines smoky and spicy sausage with tender pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is cooked all in one pot to save time and cleanup, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Pasta

  • 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
  • 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
  • ½ cup diced onion

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Extras

  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and easy mixing with the pasta and vegetables.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the sliced sausage and cook for another 5 minutes until it is lightly browned and aromatic.
  3. Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly in the spices.
  4. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the pasta. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a little extra broth if needed to keep the pasta from drying out or sticking to the pot.
  6. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted completely.
  7. Add Spinach (Optional): If using fresh spinach, stir it in now and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted, blending the greens into the creamy sauce.
  8. Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Cajun sausage pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use smoked Andouille sausage for the most authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa works well as a substitute.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories, although the sauce will be less rich.

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