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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage (chicken or turkey preferred), sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it for about five minutes until it is nicely browned. This step adds great flavor to the dish. Once browned, take the sausage out and set it aside. Leave the tasty fat in the pot for later. Now it’s time for the vegetables. In the same pot, add one medium diced onion and one chopped bell pepper. Cook these for about three to four minutes. You want them softened but still bright. Next, add three minced garlic cloves and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté this mix for another minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Pour in two cups of chicken broth next. Then, add the 12 ounces of penne pasta and two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in one cup of heavy cream and the browned sausage. Mix well and let it cook for another two to three minutes. This will help the sauce thicken slightly. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and fold in one cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. This will make your dish rich and creamy. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken even more. Enjoy your creamy Cajun delight! - Cooking pasta al dente: To get the best pasta, cook it just until firm. Follow the package instructions but start checking a minute early. The pasta should have a slight bite, not mushy. This keeps it from overcooking when mixed with the sauce. - Seasoning adjustments: Taste your pasta dish as it cooks. You can add more salt or Cajun seasoning as needed. Adjusting the flavor helps each bite taste great. - Adding more cream or cheese: To make it creamier, stir in more heavy cream or cheese. Adding an extra half cup of cream or cheese can make a big difference. This gives your dish a richer taste. - Balancing flavors with spices: If the dish tastes too rich, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of lemon juice. This will help balance the flavors and keep it fresh. - Ideal garnishes: Top your pasta with chopped parsley for color and flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch too. These simple garnishes make your dish look and taste better. - Recommended sides: Serve the pasta with a simple green salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the creamy pasta well. They also add texture and freshness to your meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up your sausage for different flavors. Try spicy Italian or andouille sausage for a bold taste. Chicken or turkey sausage works well too if you want lighter options. For pasta, consider whole wheat or gluten-free penne. Whole wheat adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Gluten-free pasta makes the dish accessible for those with dietary needs. Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning. If you want it spicier, increase the seasoning a little at a time. Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat. On the other hand, decrease the Cajun seasoning for a milder dish. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a unique twist. You can make this dish in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function first, then cook the pasta with broth and cream under high pressure. In a slow cooker, brown the sausage and veggies first, then combine them with other ingredients and cook on low. For stovetop efficiency, use a large pot. This helps cook everything evenly and saves time. To store your One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from mixing. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know how fresh it is! If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. This dish can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture. Stir often to prevent sticking. Enjoy your meal with minimal effort! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Some great options are: - Fusilli - Farfalle - Rotini These shapes hold sauces well. Choose what you have on hand. Just keep the cooking time in mind. Thicker pasta may need more time to cook. To add more heat, try these tips: - Increase Cajun seasoning by one teaspoon. - Add red pepper flakes to taste. - Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. These steps will boost the spice level. Adjust to fit your taste. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian. Here are some ideas: - Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. - Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy and flavorful. You can still enjoy a hearty meal without meat. This dish combines rich flavors and textures from simple ingredients. You learned how to prepare a creamy pasta with sausage, colorful veggies, and spices. Remember to cook the pasta just right and adjust the spice level to fit your taste. You can also swap ingredients for a personal touch or try new cooking methods. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips, you can create a meal everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Savor the flavors of the South with this One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! This easy-to-make dish combines smoked sausage, colorful veggies, and rich, creamy sauce all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both delicious and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's sure to become a family favorite. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Cajun goodness tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb smoked sausage (chicken or turkey preferred), sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the penne pasta and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine all elements. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

        Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

          Stir in the heavy cream and the browned sausage, mixing well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Remove from heat and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

              Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls topped with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a lovely finish.