One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - 1 tablespoon olive oil The main stars of this dish are penne pasta, smoked sausage, and olive oil. Penne pasta has a great shape that holds sauce well. The smoked sausage brings a deep, rich flavor. Olive oil gives you a nice base for cooking. - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced Next, we add some vegetables and aromatics. Diced onion adds sweetness and depth. Minced garlic gives a punch of flavor. Diced bell pepper adds color and crunch. Together, they make this meal taste fresh and bright. - 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Now, let's talk about liquids and seasoning. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a bit of heat and tang. Chicken broth keeps the dish moist and rich. Heavy cream makes it creamy and smooth. Cajun seasoning gives that special kick. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want the sausage to get brown and crispy. This step adds a lot of flavor. Next, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook these for three to four minutes until they soften. This makes the dish taste fresh and bright. Now, add the minced garlic and sauté for another thirty seconds. You’ll love the smell! Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir everything well to mix the flavors. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook it for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Now, lower the heat again and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional two to three minutes. This makes the sauce creamy and rich. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Serve it hot, topped with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! To cook the pasta just right, aim for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it often. This helps the pasta avoid sticking and ensures even cooking. When you add the heavy cream, keep the heat low. This helps it mix well without curdling. Stir gently until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. For Cajun seasoning, I recommend brands like Tony Chachere's or Slap Ya Mama. They add great depth and heat. You might also want to try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra spice. These spices boost the flavor profile of this dish. To make your dish look great, garnish it with chopped parsley. This adds a fresh touch. Also, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It brings a nice richness to the meal. Serve it warm in a big bowl, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy the creamy goodness! {{image_2}} If you want a dairy-free version, you can swap heavy cream. Try using coconut milk or cashew cream. Both add a nice creaminess without dairy. Coconut milk gives a slight sweetness, while cashew cream adds a nutty flavor. Choose what fits your taste best. Want to change up the protein? You can use chicken or shrimp instead of sausage. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it until it’s cooked through. If you prefer shrimp, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. They cook fast and will keep the dish light and fresh. For a meatless meal, replace sausage with a plant-based protein. You can use lentils or chickpeas for a hearty bite. Just add them in when you mix the other ingredients. You can also try using a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. These choices make the dish healthy while keeping it tasty. Store your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the pasta soggy. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you can use several methods to reheat. The best way is to use a pot on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Heat it on low, stirring gently until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover it with a lid, and heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even warmth. Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a little liquid if needed. You can use several types of pasta in this dish. Here are a few options: - Fusilli: Its spiral shape holds sauce well. - Rotini: Similar to fusilli, it adds a fun twist. - Farfalle: The bow-tie shape is great for kids. - Shell pasta: It captures sauce in its shells. These substitutes will give you different textures and flavors, yet keep the dish delicious. To add more heat, try these tips: - Extra Cajun seasoning: Add one more tablespoon. - Red pepper flakes: A pinch can raise the spice level. - Hot sauce: Drizzle a bit in while cooking. - Jalapeños: Dice a few and mix in with the veggies. These options let you enjoy your pasta just how you like it! Yes, fresh vegetables work great in this dish. Here’s how to adjust: - Bell peppers: Use fresh instead of canned. - Onions: Fresh onions add crispness and flavor. - Spinach: Toss in a handful at the end for color. Just make sure to cook the fresh veggies until they're tender before adding liquids. They’ll bring brightness to the dish! This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and flavor tips. You learned how to add your own twist with variations, like dairy-free or vegetarian options. Remember to store any leftovers properly and use the reheating tips for the best taste. I hope you feel ready to create this delicious dish and impress everyone at your table! Enjoy the cooking adventure ahead!$

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Indulge in a delicious One-Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This easy recipe combines smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and tender penne pasta in just 30 minutes. With bold flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this mouthwatering dish tonight!

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Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot, cooking until softened, around 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce is creamy and heated through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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