Description

This One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish made with smoked sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights that combines the bold spices of Cajun seasoning with comforting pasta and creamy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

10 ounces smoked sausage (Andouille or kielbasa), sliced into thin rounds
1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
½ cup diced onion

Pasta and Liquids

4 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more if needed)
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Extras

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds, chop the bell peppers and onions, and measure out the Cajun seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to have everything ready for cooking.
Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and sauté until browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage, then add the diced bell peppers and onions to the same pot and cook until softened.
Create the Base: Stir in the Cajun seasoning to the cooked vegetables, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta directly into the pot with the simmering broth and vegetables. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Return the Sausage: Add the browned sausage back into the pot, mixing everything well. If using fresh spinach, stir it in now and cook until wilted.
Final Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed with a pinch of salt, black pepper, or additional cayenne for more heat.
Serve and Garnish: Dish the pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

You can substitute smoked sausage with other types like chorizo or Italian sausage depending on preference.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
Adding fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking, add a splash more chicken broth or water to prevent sticking.
Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice preference to make it milder or spicier.
Leftovers reheat well on the stove or in the microwave; you may want to add a splash of broth or cream when warming.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg