If you're looking for a quick and easy weekday dinner, this Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in One Pot is a winner! I remember one evening when my son, Jake, was starving after soccer practice and I whipped this up in no time. He couldn't get enough of the creamy sauce and spicy sausage, and I loved how simple it was to make.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze.
- The creamy sauce is packed with flavor and perfect for pasta lovers.
- You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food. The creamy texture combined with the spicy Cajun sausage creates a delightful harmony that warms your soul. Plus, it's a great way to bring restaurant dinner at home without the fuss.
What You Need
- 1 8 oz penne pasta – You can substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand.
- 1 1 lb Cajun sausage – Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 1 medium yellow onion, diced – Adds a sweet flavor to balance the spices.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the aroma and flavor.
- 1 1 bell pepper, diced – Any color works; it adds crunch and sweetness.
- 16 2 cups chicken broth – You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 8 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half.
- 1 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – Adjust to taste if you like it spicier.
- to taste Salt and pepper – Season to your preference.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh touch to the dish.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. The sausage should sizzle and release a savory aroma.
- Next, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will add sweetness to your dish.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. You'll know it's ready when you can smell the garlic's delightful fragrance.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This should take about 2 minutes. The broth will bubble and start to combine all those wonderful flavors.
- Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The creamy texture should coat the pasta beautifully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for another minute. This is where the magic happens!
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant green will add a lovely pop of color to your dish.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce when serving.
- If you want to sneak in more veggies, throw in some spinach or mushrooms during the sautéing step.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to keep it from sticking together.
Mix It Up
- Swap out the Cajun sausage for Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Perfect Partners
- A crisp green salad pairs nicely with this pasta.
- Garlic bread is always a hit and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, but the cream may change texture. Freeze in portions and reheat gently.
What can I substitute for Cajun sausage?
You can use any smoked sausage or even chicken for a lighter option.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust it to your taste.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in One Pot is a fantastic choice for easy dinner ideas. It's flavorful, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a family favorite!
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in One Pot
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta You can substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand.
- 1 lb Cajun sausage Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds a sweet flavor to balance the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic enhances the aroma and flavor.
- 1 unit bell pepper, diced Any color works; it adds crunch and sweetness.
- 2 cups chicken broth You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste if you like it spicier.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped Adds a fresh touch to the dish.
Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the Cajun sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for another minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.