Description
This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring smoky Andouille or kielbasa sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and penne pasta cooked together in a rich and creamy Cajun-spiced sauce, this recipe delivers a comforting meal with a spicy kick in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Pasta
- 10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
- 4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers and onions to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Stir well to prevent pasta from sticking together.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra chicken broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it is fully cooked.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Fold in fresh spinach if desired, allowing it to wilt through the heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for a hearty, creamy Cajun pasta experience.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and omit the Parmesan or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adding fresh spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients; kale or arugula can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount according to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Ensure to stir frequently during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun sausage pasta, one pot pasta, smoked sausage recipe, 30-minute dinner, comfort food, cajun seasoning, quick pasta dish