Description
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a creamy, smoky pasta dinner with browned sausage, tender penne, bell peppers, onion, Parmesan, and Cajun spice. Everything cooks in one pot, so the pasta soaks up the broth and cream while the sauce turns rich and glossy.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces smoked sausage, Andouille or kielbasa, sliced
- 4 ounces pasta, penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers, mixed colors
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 cup fresh spinach, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until browned at the edges.
- Soften the vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until glossy and slightly tender.
- Simmer the pasta: Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne if using, pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is almost tender.
- Add the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, until the pasta finishes cooking and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Melt in the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan a handful at a time until smooth. Fold in the spinach if using and cook for 1 minute, just until wilted.
- Finish and serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper only if needed. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then top with chopped parsley and serve creamy and hot.
Notes
Cajun seasoning and Parmesan can both be salty, so taste before adding extra salt. Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Cuisine: Cajun American
Keywords: Cajun sausage pasta